Mudavadi hails historic DRC peace accord signed in Washington D.C.
By Faith Lagat, December 5, 2025Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity on December 4, 2025, at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace.
Hosted by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the agreement aims to halt decades of violence in eastern DRC that has displaced millions and fueled a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, accompanying Kenyan President William Ruto, hailed the signing as a “decisive leap forward,” emphasising its regional roots.
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Mudavadi noted the accords build on a June 2025 agreement and focus on ceasing hostilities, neutralizing threats such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and fostering economic integration through the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF).
Washington has pledged to purchase rare earth elements from both nations to incentivise stability. “Peace in Eastern DRC took a decisive leap forward today in Washington, D.C., in a moment the world has waited years to witness. Accompanied H.E. President @WilliamsRuto to observe the landmark signing of a peace agreement by President Donald J. Trump, President @FelixUdps of the DRC and President @PaulKagame of Rwanda at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace,” Mudavadi stated.
Regional processes key to success
The breakthrough owes much to the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which have guided negotiations since 2022.
The EAC-led Nairobi Process, facilitated by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, prioritised dialogue with Congolese armed groups, including Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, while emphasising civilian protection and disarmament. Angola’s Luanda Process addressed interstate tensions, culminating in a July 2024 ceasefire.
Mudavadi said, “This accord represents a breakthrough for a region that has endured decades of conflict and human suffering. The Nairobi and Luanda processes have been instrumental in guiding this journey, consistently placing the safety, dignity and rights of civilians at the forefront of negotiations. Today’s signing offers renewed hope that warring factions will finally prioritise peace over confrontation.”
Promise of stability and prosperity
For eastern DRC’s 7 million displaced residents, the accord promises disengagement of foreign forces, prisoner exchanges, and safe returns facilitated by UN agencies. President Tshisekedi expressed “deep gratitude and clear hope,” while Kagame called it “the clearest and most viable path forward.” Ruto labelled it a “monumental diplomatic milestone.”
Mudavadi further commended regional bodies: “I commend the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community for their steadfast leadership in pushing this peace process forward. This milestone gives the region a genuine chance at lasting stability and a peace that future generations will rely upon.”