In a major step toward resolving long-standing tensions, senior officials from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a ‘Declaration of Principles’ on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Washington D.C., charting a new course toward peace.
The agreement, brokered by the United States, emphasizes the mutual respect for sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and a commitment to humanitarian efforts.
The declaration was signed by Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s representative and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his Congolese counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessed the signing, underlining Washington’s active role in mediating between the two neighboring countries.
At the heart of the Declaration is a commitment by both Rwanda and DR Congo to mutually acknowledge each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two sides pledged to resolve disputes through diplomacy and negotiation, and to refrain from hostile force or rhetoric that could worsen tensions.
They also formally recognized each other’s established territorial borders and agreed not to take actions that might question or threaten those borders.
Beyond the sovereignty commitments, both countries acknowledged each other’s right to govern and administer their own territories without interference. They committed to addressing legitimate security concerns in the border regions in a way that respects national boundaries and sovereignty.
Speaking after the signing, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to the peace process.
“Our common aim is to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement as soon as possible,” he said. However, he cautioned that, “there are no shortcuts or quick fixes, and we have to do the hard work to get it done right once and for all.”
Secretary of State Rubio praised the progress made, noting that the presence of both foreign ministers in Washington signaled a strong commitment to dialogue.
“Having both of my counterparts here, the foreign ministers of these respective countries, demonstrates the beginning of a strong commitment to having the conversation that we need to have in order to reach resolution,” he said.
Another key aspect of the Declaration is the humanitarian commitment. Both countries agreed to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to eastern DR Congo, and to support the return of Congolese refugees currently in Rwanda and other countries, in line with international legal obligations.
They also pledged to support the United Nations peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, ensuring its ability to protect civilian populations and implement its mandate under the UN Security Council.
As part of the next steps, Rwanda and DR Congo committed to drafting a text of the peace agreement for mutual review no later than May 2, 2025.
Any disagreements arising from the draft will be addressed through further meetings at the Foreign Minister level in Washington, under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State.
Delice Uwase/ The Kaminuza Star