The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a “declaration of principles” in Washington on April 25th, aiming to develop a preliminary draft of a peace agreement by May 2nd. The initiative, sponsored by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks an attempt at direct dialogue between the two neighbours, whose relations have been undermined by accusations of military support and territorial violations.
From left to right: Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwanba Wagner, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. Washington, April 25, 2025. Photo credit: Le Potentiel
In a highly tense regional context, the declaration commits Kinshasa and Kigali to resolving their differences through diplomatic means. It emphasizes mutual recognition of borders, the fight against non-state armed groups, the voluntary return of refugees, and security cooperation. Implicitly, this is an attempt to lay the foundations for a lasting coordination mechanism in a region marked by chronic instability.
But what is this commitment worth?
Considering the facts, caution remains warranted. No strong gestures such as a handshake between the representatives has been observed. Even though bilateral meetings have followed, mistrust remained. Thérèse Wagner, Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, insisted: “Actions must follow promises.” On the Rwandan side, Olivier Nduhungirehe has recognized the need to address the “root causes” of the conflict while also discussing security and economic value chains to be built with the American private sector. This represents a strategic economic position for Kigali.
The entry of the United States into the issue, however, raises the question of its neutrality. Currently engaged in mining negotiations with Kinshasa, Washington is seeking to secure its strategic interests in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a country rich in minerals. Can we then trust the impartiality of a mediator whose economic ambitions are clear?
Faced with the failure or slowness of the Doha, Nairobi, and Luanda processes, Donald Trump’s America is proposing a new method: anchoring peace in the economy. The approach, while pragmatic, would not be sufficient without guarantees of transparency and fairness. A neutral African mediator, supported by the African Union and respected by both parties, could play a key role in consolidating the dialogue.
The Washington meeting symbolizes more of an opportunity than a breakthrough in the search for lasting peace. It reflects a stated but still tentative willingness on the part of both states to engage in dialogue. Credibility will certainly depend on the sincerity of the commitments made and the ability of regional mechanisms to translate principles into lasting action.
By Yves Modeste Ngue
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