Former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined leaders from Africa and the United States to witness the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a post X account on Friday, December 5, 2025, the ceremony took place at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C.

The accords, signed by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, aim to end decades of conflict in the region. They establish a permanent ceasefire, disarm rebel groups, allow refugees to return home, and create a framework for economic cooperation. The conflict in the Great Lakes region has claimed more than 10 million lives over the years.

Watch: Uhuru joins Trump to witness historic peace deal between Rwanda and DRC

At the ceremony, US President Donald Trump highlighted America’s commitment to ending violence in the region.

“We have come to the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement that will end one of the longest-running conflicts anywhere in the world,” he said.

President Tshisekedi acknowledged the critical role of mediators and African leaders in the peace process. He thanked former President Kenyatta and Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for initiating the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks, which laid the foundation for the Washington Accords.

“These two great Africans were there at the beginning; they started the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes,” he said.

Tshisekedi also expressed gratitude to the American people for supporting the agreement.

Pathway to lasting peace

The DRC President said the accords provide a clear structure, combining a declaration of principles, a peace agreement, and an economic integration framework. He added that the deal marks a new era of friendship and cooperation, offering a path out of decades of violence, displacement, and mistrust.

President Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to lasting peace. He said Rwanda would work with African partners to consolidate and expand the agreement, ensuring the country remains safe and secure after years of conflict.

Kenya’s current President, William Ruto, welcomed the milestone, noting it was the result of persistent regional diplomacy. He said the coordinated Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington processes created the pathway to this achievement. Ruto added that peace in eastern DRC could unlock significant economic opportunities for the region.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has long served as a regional peace facilitator, joined the leaders in recognising the accord as a breakthrough for East and Central Africa. His presence emphasised Kenya’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and stability across the Great Lakes region and the continent.

Also attending the ceremony were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senior diplomats, and global peace partners who witnessed the signing.

The Washington Accords now pave the way for renewed cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement offers millions of people hope for lasting peace and economic recovery after decades of conflict. It also marks a significant step in Africa’s ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing regional conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.