On Wednesday, President Paul Kagame held several high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., aimed at reinforcing Rwanda’s partnership with the United States as both sides move toward the signing of the Washington Accord.
The Office of the President reported that Kagame hosted a dinner with a group of U.S. lawmakers, among them Senator Mike Rounds, House Chairman Rep. Brian Mast, Senator Kevin Cramer, Senator Pete Ricketts, Rep. Ronny Jackson, and Rep. Trent Kelly. Their discussions highlighted efforts to enhance cooperation through initiatives designed to promote long-term stability and economic progress.
Earlier that evening, Kagame also met privately with Senator Lindsey Graham. Their dialogue focused on widening Rwanda–U.S. collaboration in key sectors, including conservation, security, and economic development.
Kagame arrived in the U.S. capital earlier on Wednesday and is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump before attending the signing ceremony of the Washington Accord together with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.
The accord—mediated by the United States and set to be signed on Thursday—aims to resolve the prolonged conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It follows months of intense diplomacy led by President Trump, expanding on an initial understanding reached in June.
Beyond the peace agreement, Kagame and Tshisekedi are also expected to endorse a Regional Economic Integration Framework finalized last month, outlining measures to strengthen cross-border commerce and regional collaboration.
The Washington Accord commits to dismantling the FDLR and ending Rwanda’s temporary defensive measures along its frontier.
The signing, heavily anticipated by regional observers, is viewed as a pivotal moment for peace in eastern Congo and a major step forward for cooperation throughout the Great Lakes region.
