Parliament Ratifies Peace and Strategic Partnership Agreements with Rwanda

KINSHASA March 7, 2026 - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has adopted bills ratifying the peace agreement with Rwanda and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the United States, two landmark accords signed under the Trump administration. The adoption was carried out by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Noëlla Ayeganato, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The bills come ahead of the March 2026 ordinary parliamentary session, scheduled for March 16, with the government emphasizing alignment with its legislative agenda. The agreements were originally signed on December 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame endorsed the instruments in the presence of international dignitaries including Donald Trump, Faure Gnassingbé, João Lourenço, Évariste Ndayishimiye, William Ruto, Jessica Alupo, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Mohammed Al Khulaifi, and Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan. The ratified instruments include: The Washington Agreements for Peace and Prosperity between DRC and Rwanda, reaffirming the June 27, 2025 peace commitments and establishing the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). The United States-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement and related Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Security Cooperation. The United States-Rwanda Framework for Shared Economic Prosperity, aiming to strengthen bilateral economic ties. According to the U.S. State Department, these agreements aim to end decades of conflict, promote economic cooperation, and provide a roadmap for peace, security, and growth in the Great Lakes region. They also open opportunities for the U.S. private sector and reinforce regional integration. The DRC government described the ratifications as a historic step toward sustainable peace, stability, and shared prosperity, in line with its commitments under the Washington Accords and related frameworks. Conclusion The period from February 22 to March 8, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was marked by a complex interplay of persistent conflict, diplomatic tension, and internal governance reforms. While the country demonstrated significant international initiative-notably through the nomination of Juliana Lumumba for the OIF leadership and active participation in global mining forums-the security situation in the East remains its most pressing challenge. The escalating conflict with the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion continues to destabilize North and South Kivu, resulting in mass displacements, humanitarian crises, and the discovery of mass graves in recently liberated areas such as Uvira. Despite international efforts under the Washington and Doha frameworks, diplomatic friction between Kinshasa and Kigali remains high, with both sides exchanging accusations regarding support for armed groups and the legitimacy of security concerns. Domestically, the government is navigating a delicate political landscape, evidenced by internal divisions within the ruling coalition over constitutional reforms and growing opposition demands for a more inclusive and transparent national dialogue. At the same time, the presidency’s emphasis on government performance reviews and addressing fiscal pressures, including civil service salary delays, highlights a commitment to administrative efficiency and accountability. In parallel, the DRC is making progress in areas such as agricultural transformation, industrial partnerships, and gender equality institutionalization. However, these gains remain fragile, and achieving lasting stability will require not only the effective implementation of regional peace agreements, but also a sustained effort to strengthen governance, ensure mineral traceability, and address the urgent health and humanitarian needs of the population. In conclusion, while the DRC demonstrates resilience and strategic initiative, its future stability hinges on balancing security, diplomacy, and internal reforms to create a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous nation. By Glad Musema Jeff Buleli