Technical delegates from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have finalized a draft peace agreement that both countries are expected to sign at the end of June.
The technocrats prepared this draft in Washington D.C., United States, where they held face-to-face discussions for three days.
Their talks focused on shared interests between Kigali and Kinshasa, especially in the areas of politics, security, and the economy.
On Wednesday, June 18, they concluded the preparation of the draft agreement in a session chaired by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
Through her X (formerly Twitter) account, Hooker expressed pride in having led the peace talks that resulted in the drafting of this agreement, describing it as a step toward lasting peace.
She said:
“I’m honored to have led three days of peace discussions that resulted in the signing of a draft peace agreement by delegates from the DRC and Rwanda. Next week, we expect to host the Foreign Ministers on June 27, [for the signing], in a ceremony that will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Together, we are working toward lasting peace and security in the region.”
On June 27, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and his DRC counterpart Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner will sign the peace agreement in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This peace deal builds on the preliminary agreement the two countries signed on April 25, 2025.
The agreed terms include: mutual respect for each other’s territorial sovereignty and a ceasefire commitment; dismantling, disarming, and reintegrating non-state armed groups; establishing a joint security coordination mechanism; and facilitating the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.
It also includes facilitating humanitarian operations and establishing a framework for regional economic integration.
The U.S. Department of State revealed that Qatar, as one of the mediating countries between Rwanda and the DRC, also took part in the recent talks to ensure alignment with the peace objectives of both Kigali and Kinshasa.
In addition to the signing of the peace agreement later this month, the U.S. also anticipates a meeting between the Presidents of Rwanda and the DRC in Washington, “as part of advancing peace, stability, and economic progress in the Great Lakes region.”
