In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending years of tension and violence in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The deal was signed on Friday in Washington, D.C., in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top diplomats from both countries. According to Anadolu Agency, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the move as a “significant step toward de-escalation, peace, and stability.”

A Step Toward Peace in a Long-Troubled Region

Eastern DRC has seen decades of conflict, driven by political instability, ethnic tensions, and the presence of armed rebel groups. The violence has displaced more than 7.8 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations.

The peace agreement offers new hope. Guterres called the deal “a significant step,” emphasizing the importance of halting hostilities and honoring all terms outlined in the agreement and under UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025).

Global Mediation Efforts Led by the U.S.

This long-anticipated peace deal was made possible through U.S. mediation, with strong support from Qatar and the African Union. Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé served as the AU’s lead mediator. The process also involved key coordination with five regional co-facilitators, selected by both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community.

At the signing ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the commitment of all parties involved and noted the importance of sustained diplomacy in resolving long-standing regional conflicts.

UN’s Role in Supporting the Agreement

The United Nations, through its peacekeeping mission in the Congo (MONUSCO), has pledged full support in helping implement the terms of the agreement. Guterres reiterated that the UN will work in close coordination with the African Union, regional blocs, and international partners to ensure that peace efforts are not just symbolic but sustainable.

“I urge the parties to honor in full the commitments they have undertaken,” Guterres said, stressing that this includes the immediate cessation of hostilities and other critical security measures.

Challenges Ahead, But Optimism Grows

While the agreement is being praised worldwide, observers acknowledge that the road ahead will be challenging. Trust between the DRC and Rwanda has been severely strained over the years, especially over allegations of support for rebel factions and cross-border attacks.

However, with major international backing and an outlined framework for accountability and monitoring, there is cautious optimism that the region could finally see lasting peace.

This peace deal stands not only as a diplomatic win but also as a potential turning point for millions of people affected by instability. As Guterres put it, the international community must remain “fully committed” to helping the DRC and Rwanda move from conflict to cooperation.

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