Washington DC – Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Washington Peace and Cooperation Agreement while stressing that the accord requires equal adherence from both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a statement issued on June 5, 2026, the Rwandan government said it continues to fulfill its obligations under the agreement but expressed concern that the DRC has not fully met its own commitments, citing continued support for the FDLR, a group UN and Rwandan considers a terrorist organization and a threat to its national security, as well as reported drone attacks from Kinshasa government affecting civilian areas in East DRC.
The statement followed remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he discussed progress related to the Rwanda-DRC agreement and welcomed Rwanda’s efforts to implement the commitments contained in the Washington accord signed on December 4, 2025.
Rwanda praised the role of the United States in supporting the agreement, describing it as an important framework for addressing the underlying causes of instability in eastern DRC. At the same time, Rwanda emphasized that the agreement establishes responsibilities for both parties and cannot achieve its objectives if implementation is carried out by only one side.
According to the Rwandan government, while Rwanda continues to honor its commitments, the DRC remains engaged in cooperation with the FDLR, a group that includes individuals linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and has operated in eastern Congo for more than three decades. Rwanda maintains that the group continues to pose a direct security threat.
The statement also criticized what it described as continued drone strikes by the DRC in civilian-populated areas, saying that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without balanced implementation of the agreement and equal accountability from all parties involved.
Despite these concerns, Rwanda reiterated its determination to uphold the Washington Agreement and to continue working with the United States, regional partners, and other stakeholders to advance peace, stability, and security across the Great Lakes region.
Among its security provisions, the agreement calls for the dismantling of the FDLR by Congolese forces, after which Rwanda would remove defensive measures maintained along its border. The accord also includes commitments aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of refugees.
In addition to security cooperation, the agreement outlines several economic initiatives designed to strengthen regional development. These include expanded collaboration on the Rusizi III hydropower project, a 206-megawatt facility expected to provide electricity to more than 300,000 people. The project is estimated to cost approximately $800 million and is scheduled for completion by 2030.
The agreement further encourages Rwanda and the DRC to deepen cooperation in the mining sector by promoting mineral processing and value addition, while establishing common regulations to enhance the security and transparency of cross-border mineral trade.
Another key component of the accord focuses on the joint development of methane gas resources from Lake Kivu to generate electricity and support broader energy needs in both countries.
Rwanda stated that the two neighboring nations possess significant economic opportunities that, if fully utilized, could help reduce tensions and foster long-term stability. The government expressed confidence that successful implementation of the Washington Agreement would contribute to lasting peace, stronger regional cooperation, and shared prosperity across the Great Lakes region.
