DRC National Assembly Advances Ratification of Strategic US Partnership and Rwanda Peace

Kinshasa, April 14, 2026 - The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo has declared admissible two key bills concerning the ratification of a strategic partnership with the United States and a peace agreement with Rwanda, marking a significant step in the country’s diplomatic and security agenda.

The two texts were presented on April 13 and subsequently referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee for expedited review, which has been given 24 hours to submit its report.

The agreements were defended before parliament by Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who outlined the scope and objectives of the initiatives.

The first agreement establishes a strategic partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States, covering cooperation in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure development, and security coordination. According to the government, the framework includes joint monitoring mechanisms while explicitly reaffirming respect for national sovereignty.

The second agreement relates to a peace accord signed on June 27, 2025, between the DRC and Rwanda. It seeks to end hostilities, ensure respect for territorial integrity, support the disengagement of armed forces, and establish a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at promoting long-term stability in the Great Lakes region.

During parliamentary deliberations, several deputies stressed the importance of transparency and strict oversight in the implementation of both agreements, particularly regarding commitments made by all parties involved.

Debate was concluded following the adoption of an incidental motion by MP Pierre Sumeyi, who noted that key opposition figures, including Célestin Musao of the Ensemble et Alliés parliamentary group and Gratien de Saint-Nicolas Iracan, had already expressed support for the agreements, making further debate unnecessary at that stage.

The admissibility vote represents an early but important legislative step in the ratification process, with further committee scrutiny expected before final parliamentary approval.