Yesterday, December 4, 2025, Presidents Donald J. Trump, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC gathered in Washington, D.C.; to ratify the Washington Peace Accord, a landmark framework aimed at ending decades of tension between the two nations. The ceremony, held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, officially elevated the accord from a signed agreement to a fully endorsed political commitment, signaling a potential turning point for stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Kagame emphasized the practical significance of the accord, stating, “Rwanda views this agreement as a credible path toward rebuilding trust and ensuring that our actions reflect consistent, verifiable progress.” He highlighted the need for immediate action to reduce armed activity and strengthen bilateral security cooperation, noting that “lasting peace cannot rely solely on words; it requires disciplined implementation on the ground.”
President Tshisekedi reinforced Kagame’s position, affirming that the DRC would not allow its territory to serve as a source of regional instability. “We now have an opportunity to rebuild on the basis of responsibility and mutual respect,” he said. Tshisekedi stressed the importance of joint oversight and regional collaboration to ensure that both countries fulfill their commitments to disarmament, refugee returns, and the phased withdrawal of foreign forces.
President Trump opened and led the ratification ceremony, calling the event “a significant diplomatic achievement” and commending both leaders for choosing negotiation over confrontation. “The United States stands ready to support the implementation process through monitoring, security coordination, and technical assistance,” he said. Trump framed the accord as a model for regional diplomacy and highlighted the U.S.’s continued engagement to help turn commitments into tangible results.
The ratification builds on the preliminary agreement signed on June 27, 2025, which had already set out provisions for halting hostilities, disarming or reintegrating armed groups, and establishing a joint security coordination mechanism. Yesterday’s ceremony marked the first time all three heads of state formally committed to executing these provisions with the support of international partners, including the African Union and Qatar.
Looking forward, all parties agreed that the accord’s success will hinge on transparent implementation, including phased troop withdrawals, credible monitoring mechanisms, and expanded humanitarian access. As President Kagame noted, “Peace is not a one-day event; it is built step by step, action by action.” The Washington Peace Accord now sets a framework for long-term political cooperation, economic engagement, and regional confidence-building, aiming to make peace self-reinforcing rather than dependent on external mediation.
