Wayne Lumbasi
Rwanda has accused the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of deliberately delaying the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement brokered in Washington. President Paul Kagame made the remarks during a press conference on Thursday, saying that any holdup does not originate from Rwanda.
According to Kagame, the DRC has introduced new conditions that were not part of the original Washington agreement, causing the process to stall. Kagame emphasized that Rwanda is ready to proceed and expressed hope that the signing could still take place in early December.
The peace agreement, signed in June this year by the foreign ministers of both countries, is designed to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC. It includes commitments for Rwanda to withdraw troops, dismantle support for armed militias, and establish a joint security coordination framework.
In addition, an economic component known as the Regional Economic Integration Framework was negotiated to promote cooperation in energy, infrastructure, mining, and cross-border trade, offering the potential to unlock investment in the mineral rich Great Lakes region.
The eastern DRC has suffered from persistent violence, displacement, and insecurity for decades. This agreement, backed by the United States and other international partners, represents one of the most serious attempts yet to stabilize the region, integrate economies, and reduce armed violence. If fully implemented, it could help remove foreign troops, curb militia activity, enhance joint security operations, and attract investment that benefits local communities.
Despite the initial agreement, progress has been slow. President Kagame noted that the DRC has repeatedly backtracked on commitments since returning home from Washington. Security measures such as troop withdrawals and militia neutralization have yet to be fully implemented, and violence continues in eastern DRC.
Looking ahead, a signing between the two presidents may still take place in Washington on Thursday, December 4, 2025, though confirmation is pending. Rwanda has affirmed its readiness but warned that prolonged delays could erode trust and undermine broader efforts for regional stability. International observers, including the United States, are expected to continue pressing both sides to honor their commitments, given the high stakes for peace, security, and economic development in the region.
The situation highlights the fragility of the peace process and how easily progress can be slowed by mistrust and political maneuvering. Whether the agreement is finally implemented will depend on both countries overcoming these obstacles and demonstrating genuine commitment to peace.
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