In a significant diplomatic move, United States President Donald Trump has successfully brokered and hosted the signing of a historic peace agreement between two long-feuding African nations. The leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) gathered in Washington D.C. on Thursday, December 5, 2025, to formalise the Washington Accords, a pact designed to end decades of regional instability.
A Ceremony for Peace and Partnership
The signing ceremony was held at the prestigious U.S. Institute of Peace, marking a pivotal moment for Central Africa. President Trump welcomed Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, praising their courage in pursuing peace. In his opening remarks, Trump stated the day's commitment was to halt "decades of violence and bloodshed" and to usher in a new chapter of harmony and cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
He revealed that the agreement followed "really fantastic meetings" with both leaders and representatives from other regional nations, focusing on upholding the detailed and powerful new pact. Trump framed the event as a major success, declaring, "It’s a great day for Africa, a great day for the world. Today, we’re succeeding where so many others have failed."
The Accords: Beyond a Simple Peace Deal
The Washington Accords are not merely a ceasefire agreement. The formal signing in December builds upon a U.S.-brokered deal first agreed upon in June 2025. The comprehensive framework includes:
- A core peace agreement to end active conflict.
- An economic compact signed the previous month to foster trade and integration.
- New accords on critical minerals, a strategic move highlighted by the Trump administration to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth materials.
This multi-faceted approach aims to tackle both the symptoms and root causes of the protracted conflict, linking lasting peace directly to shared economic prosperity.
African Leaders Laud Trump's Unprompted Role
Both African presidents extended profound gratitude to President Trump for his direct involvement. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda offered the "biggest vote of thanks" to the American leader. He noted that while their region was often distant from global headlines, Trump seized the opportunity to contribute to peace without being asked.
Kagame described the agreement, which was supported by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the "clearest and most viable path forward" the Great Lakes region has ever seen. He emphasised the necessity of African nations collaborating with committed international partners to solidify and expand the newfound peace.
A Turning Point for the Democratic Republic of Congo
Echoing his counterpart's optimism, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi called the accords a historic breakthrough. He expressed "deep gratitude and clear hope" and thanked the Trump administration for its brokerage role. Tshisekedi stressed that these agreements were not just another document but a genuine turning point.
"They bring together under a coherent architecture... a peace agreement and also the regional economic integration framework to provide the peoples of the region a new perspective," he stated. His speech outlined a vision to break the cycles of violence, displacement, and mistrust, replacing them with an era of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity. President Tshisekedi affirmed the DRC's commitment to its obligations and expressed hope for reciprocal commitment from Rwanda.
The signing of the Washington Accords stands as one of the major international conflicts President Trump has sought to resolve during his second term. It is hailed across diplomatic circles as a substantial step toward durable regional stability, deeper economic cooperation, and a hopeful new dawn for relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
