Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reaffirmed Rwanda’s full commitment to the recently concluded Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, underscoring that durable peace in the Great Lakes region will depend on every signatory fulfilling its obligations in good faith.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of newly appointed ministers at the Rwandan Parliament in Kigali, President Kagame emphasised that Rwanda’s pursuit of stability and development is inseparable from broader regional peace. He noted that Rwanda’s history has shaped its profound understanding of the consequences of instability.
“We know very well what the absence of peace means because we have lived through long periods without it. We know what we lost, including the lives of our people,” Kagame stated, reflecting on Rwanda’s journey from conflict to recovery.
The President’s remarks followed the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity last week between himself and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi. The agreement, facilitated by the United States, seeks to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC and to open pathways for regional cooperation, particularly in managing critical mineral resources essential for global energy transitions.
While the accord has been hailed as a potential milestone for peace, its success depends on reciprocal trust and transparency among the parties involved. Kagame dismissed allegations that Rwanda has undermined regional peace efforts, insisting that Rwanda remains committed to upholding its part of the agreement.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have persisted for years, with Kinshasa repeatedly accusing Kigali of supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group operating in eastern Congo. Rwanda has consistently denied these claims, arguing that the roots of instability in eastern DRC are complex and intertwined with internal governance challenges and historical dynamics within the region.
Earlier in June, the foreign ministers of both nations signed a preliminary agreement in Washington aimed at reducing hostilities and rebuilding diplomatic engagement. The latest accord, signed under international observation, builds upon that earlier framework and includes provisions for monitoring mechanisms, regional dialogue, and economic collaboration.
Eastern DRC remains one of Africa’s most volatile regions, with local communities bearing the brunt of recurring violence and displacement. The area is also rich in minerals such as cobalt, coltan, and lithium, which are vital for the global transition to renewable energy technologies. Analysts argue that the sustainable management of these resources, coupled with political stability, could transform the Great Lakes region into a cornerstone of Africa’s economic renewal.
From a continental perspective, the Washington peace deal represents both an opportunity and a test of African-led conflict resolution efforts supported by international partners. Regional organisations such as the African Union and the East African Community have previously sought to facilitate dialogue between Kigali and Kinshasa, and their continued engagement remains critical for the accord’s implementation.
As Rwanda renews its pledge to pursue peace, the broader regional community faces the challenge of ensuring that reconciliation efforts are not shaped solely by external geopolitical or economic interests but by the shared aspirations of the African peoples who have endured the cost of conflict.
The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity could mark a pivotal step toward redefining security cooperation in Central Africa. Whether the momentum generated can be sustained will depend on collective political will, local ownership of peace processes, and the prioritisation of human security over resource competition.
