Rwanda and DRC Agree to Advance Implementation of Washington Peace Accords

Washington, 19 March 2026 - Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have agreed to take concrete steps to implement the Washington Peace Accords, in a renewed effort to ease tensions and promote regional stability. The agreement, initially signed on 27 June 2025 with the support of the United States, focuses on addressing security concerns, including the dismantling of the FDLR armed group and the removal of Rwanda’s defensive measures along the border. Although the accord was ratified by both countries in December 2025-along with provisions on economic cooperation in trade, mining, and infrastructure-implementation has remained limited. Rwanda has maintained that it cannot lift its security measures while the FDLR and allied groups remain active near its borders. Kigali has also accused the Congolese government of continuing to support the group, including through integration into local armed forces and allied militias. Against this backdrop, delegations from both countries met in Washington from 17 to 18 March 2026, where they committed to advancing implementation of the agreement. According to U.S. officials, the parties agreed on measures aimed at de-escalation, including respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additional steps include the neutralization of the FDLR, a phased withdrawal of Rwanda’s security measures, and the protection of civilians affected by the conflict. The renewed commitment signals a shared intention to achieve lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region, though significant challenges to full implementation remain.