WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday joined regional heads of state in Washington, D.C., to witness the signing of the Washington Accords, a landmark agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) aimed at ending one of the world’s deadliest conflicts.
Kenyatta, who has served as a regional peace facilitator since leaving office, attended the ceremony at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) alongside Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
The deal was signed by Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC.
The Washington Accords establish a permanent ceasefire, outline the disarmament of armed groups, enable the voluntary return of refugees, and introduce a new framework for economic cooperation — a comprehensive package aimed at stabilizing eastern Congo after decades of turmoil.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who presided over the event, said the United States was committed to helping the region turn the page on violence.
“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.
In his remarks, President Tshisekedi credited mediators — including Kenyatta — for laying the groundwork through earlier negotiations under the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks.
“These two great Africans were there at the beginning; they started the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes,” Tshisekedi said, acknowledging Kenyatta and Lourenço’s contributions.
He also thanked President Trump for championing the rapprochement.
President Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to sustaining peace, saying the accord marked a turning point.
“It is now up to us in Africa, working with our partners, to consolidate and expand this peace. Rwanda will not be found wanting.”
Washington Peace Agreement Marks New Dawn for Rwanda and DRCWASHINGTON, D.C. 5th December 2025— Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on the 5th of December joined President Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço (Angola) at the United States
Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the signing, saying the achievement reflected years of coordinated regional diplomacy.
“The Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington processes created the essential pathway that brings us to this pivotal moment,” Ruto said, adding that a stable eastern DRC could unlock vast economic potential.
For Kenyatta, the Washington ceremony represents the culmination of years of mediation efforts across East and Central Africa.
His presence underscored Kenya’s continued role in promoting peace, dialogue, and stability in the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Also in attendance were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senior diplomats, and global peace partners.
The Washington Accords now pave the way for renewed cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC, offering millions hope for lasting peace after decades of conflict.
