A major step toward peace happened on Thursday evening in Washington, D.C., when Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi signed an agreement to end the rising tension between their two countries.
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The deal was signed at the U.S. Institute of Peace, with U.S. President Donald Trump acting as the main mediator. Many leaders say this agreement gives new hope for stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Trump, who led the talks, praised both Kagame and Tshisekedi for agreeing to work together. He called them “strong leaders who want peace” and thanked them for choosing dialogue over conflict.
Looking in the direction of the two visiting presidents, Trump even joked, “look at the way they love each other,” sending the audience into laughter.
After Trump spoke, President Kagame thanked all the leaders who came to witness this important moment. Kagame said that President Trump decided to help without being asked and that this contribution came at a very important time. “Our region does not often receive a lot of global attention,” Kagame said.
“But when President Trump saw a chance to support peace, he acted quickly. For 30 years, many people have tried to solve these conflicts, but none succeeded. This new approach has helped us make real progress.”
Kagame explained that Trump did not take sides during the talks. Instead, he focused on helping both countries look forward rather than think about past problems. Kagame also thanked Trump’s team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy to Africa Massad Boulos, for helping build what he called the clearest plan ever made to solve the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
The new agreement includes plans for the two countries to work together on security, reduce military tension at the border, fight armed groups, and improve economic cooperation. It also creates a system for both governments to talk more often so that misunderstandings do not turn into conflict again.
Kagame made it clear that even though the United States helped guide the process, the success of the agreement depends on African leaders themselves.
“If this agreement fails, it will not be President Trump’s fault but ours,” he said.
“Rwanda will stay committed. Our responsibility has always been to make sure our country is peaceful and stable.”
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye welcomed the agreement, saying it brings new hope to millions of people in the region. Kenyan President William Ruto also promised to support the peace deal and asked President Trump to help solve the ongoing conflict in Sudan as well.
The event attracted many important guests, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, showing that the world is paying attention to the future of the region.
The signing of this agreement brings new optimism. However, leaders agree that much work lies ahead. The real test will be whether Rwanda and the DRC can turn their promises into long-term peace and cooperation.
Pichou Byiringiro / The Kaminuza Star