Rwanda Commits to Lasting Peace Under US-Brokered Deal with DR Congo
Kigali, July 5 — President Paul Kagame on Friday reaffirmed Rwanda’s full commitment to implementing the recently signed US-brokered peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring Kigali’s readiness to fulfill its responsibilities in the pursuit of regional stability.
In his first public remarks since the June 27 accord was signed in Washington, President Kagame expressed gratitude to the United States for mediating the deal, which aims to end years of conflict in eastern Congo. He praised the US—particularly the Trump administration—for addressing the political, security, and economic dimensions of the crisis in a balanced and pragmatic manner.
“We have agreed to do a number of things together with others, and we will do that,” Kagame said at a press conference in Kigali. “You will never find Rwanda at fault with implementing what we have agreed to do—never.”
The peace deal, which calls for a cessation of hostilities between Rwandan and Congolese forces, addresses key concerns of the Congolese government, including the safeguarding of territorial integrity, the disarmament of armed groups, and steps toward long-term regional peace.
President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda is prepared to meet its obligations but cautioned against actions by other parties that might undermine the process. “If the side we are working with plays tricks and takes us back to the problem, then we deal with the problem like we have been dealing with it,” he warned.
Kagame also highlighted that the crisis in eastern Congo has deep external roots and stressed that the success of the agreement hinges on mutual goodwill. “Even if it doesn’t work, I don’t think [the US] should be the ones to be blamed,” he noted. “It’s our task in the region—DRC or Rwanda—to implement our part of the bargain.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo echoed similar sentiments, with Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba affirming on Thursday that Kinshasa remains committed to translating the accord into lasting peace and development across the eastern provinces and the wider Great Lakes region.
Eastern Congo has suffered decades of violence, exacerbated in recent years by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. According to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, over 3,000 people have died and more than 500,000 displaced since 2021 due to renewed clashes.
As regional and international eyes remain on the implementation of the peace deal, Rwanda has positioned itself as a reliable and constructive partner in efforts to restore security and prosperity across the Great Lakes region.
BY: The Times Union
