Peace efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo reached a historic milestone on Tuesday after a landmark agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., offering the strongest signal yet of a possible end to decades of conflict in the region.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who accompanied President William Ruto to witness the ceremony, said the accord—signed by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame—represents a turning point for millions affected by years of instability, displacement and violence.
The deal, endorsed at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace, is expected to anchor renewed commitments by Kigali and Kinshasa to cease hostilities and pursue a political pathway to stability.
Observers say the agreement could reset relations between the two neighbours, whose tensions have prolonged humanitarian crises in eastern DRC.
Mudavadi noted that the progress builds on the foundations laid by the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which have steered regional mediation efforts and placed the protection of civilians at the centre of negotiations.
He added that the current breakthrough signals a real chance for communities to rebuild and for economic development to take root after years of uncertainty.
He also commended the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for what he termed their “steadfast leadership” in sustaining the peace push, saying the latest developments bring the region closer to achieving lasting stability.
The agreement is expected to usher in heightened international support as stakeholders urge armed groups in eastern DRC to embrace dialogue and end cycles of confrontation.
