The United States has welcomed a new peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda, set to be signed Friday in Washington.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the deal would unlock long-awaited economic development and investment in the troubled Great Lakes region.
The agreement outlines commitments to cease hostilities, respect territorial integrity, and disarm and reintegrate non-state armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo.
It also includes provisions for a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, built on the CONOPS plan of October 31, 2024, aimed at ensuring long-term security cooperation.
Humanitarian measures such as the return of refugees and displaced persons, along with access for aid organizations, are central to the agreement.
“This is a significant milestone for peace and a reminder that peace on paper must be matched by implementation on the ground,” said Pigott.
The accord follows years of tension over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which captured major cities like Goma in early 2025.
The United Nations estimates more than 7.8 million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict in the region.
The State Department emphasized that regional economic integration will be a key outcome if the agreement holds.
“The United States is proud to support this hard-won progress,” Pigott added, expressing cautious optimism for the region’s future.
