Rwanda Urges Regional Talks to Uphold Washington Accords

Kigali, January 17, 2026 - Rwanda has called for regional security talks to build on the Washington Accords, emphasizing that ongoing peace efforts in the Great Lakes Region should not ignore the diplomatic progress achieved in 2025. Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe made the remarks during a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening African responses to insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the wider Great Lakes Region. The meeting was held in Togo and chaired by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. Minister Nduhungirehe stressed that future negotiations must respect the steps taken in 2025, including the peace agreement signed on December 4 in Washington. “At the beginning of 2026, it is important to emphasize that the diplomatic achievements of 2025 must not be undermined and should be preserved. Rwanda hopes that today’s talks will help strengthen the African Union’s coordination mechanism, and support the actions of Washington and Doha,” he said. The peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC focuses on dismantling the FDLR terrorist group, which has threatened regional security for years, removing Rwanda’s security measures, and facilitating the repatriation of refugees. It also includes cooperation in infrastructure, park conservation, healthcare, mining, and other development sectors.