WASHINGTON, D.C. – President William Ruto has welcomed the signing of the Washington Accord, describing it as the strongest and most promising breakthrough toward ending more than 30 years of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The landmark agreement was signed Thursday at the Donald J Trump United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame—two leaders whose nations have long been on opposing sides of the conflict.
Ruto, who attended the ceremony alongside former US President Donald Trump, said the deal signals a rare moment of clarity and collective resolve in a region that has endured devastating instability for decades.
“The Washington Accord now stands as the most credible and hopeful pathway to ending three decades of conflict and inaugurating a new chapter of friendship, cooperation, and mutual progress in our region,” he said.
Ruto thanked Trump for what he called “steadfast commitment and decisive leadership” in guiding the peace process, while acknowledging the critical role played by the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and other mediators.
A Call to Honour Commitments
In a strongly worded appeal, Ruto urged all parties to fully implement the agreement, saying the people of eastern DRC have suffered for far too long.
He outlined the human cost of the conflict, noting that millions have been displaced, countless families torn apart, and children deprived of education and a stable childhood.
“We now call upon all parties to faithfully uphold and implement the terms of the Accord so that the people of Eastern DRC may return to their homes, rebuild their lives, and reclaim the peace, dignity, and hope that have long been denied to them,” Ruto said.
The President added that normal commercial activity and cross-border trade—crucial drivers of regional prosperity—have been severely disrupted, deepening poverty and slowing development.
Appeal for Peace in Sudan
Ruto also used the moment to appeal for US support in brokering peace in Sudan, which has been embroiled in a brutal conflict for more than two years.
“As we celebrate progress in the DRC, we must not look away from other crises,” he said. “We ask President Trump…to support efforts to resolve the unfolding human catastrophe in Sudan.”
Fighting Surges Ahead of Summit
The Washington Accord comes amid renewed clashes in eastern DRC, where Kinshasa and Kigali have long traded accusations over support for armed groups.
On the eve of the US summit, fighting escalated between government forces and M23 rebels—fighters the DRC government claims are backed by Rwanda.
The DRC army accused the rebels of attempting to “sabotage” the peace process, while M23 fighters alleged the military had violated a ceasefire by launching fresh attacks.
At the beginning of the year, M23 seized significant territory in the eastern region, displacing hundreds of thousands and leaving scores dead.
Trump: ‘A Great Day for Africa’
Trump, who presided over the signing ceremony, praised both leaders for committing to the deal.
“I have a lot of confidence in both leaders,” he said. “We’ll keep these commitments… and create a much brighter future for the people of their countries.”
The Washington Accord marks the most significant diplomatic effort in years aimed at stabilising the mineral-rich but volatile eastern DRC, raising hopes for a long-awaited end to one of Africa’s most entrenched conflicts.
