Amanze Chinonye
The African Union Commission has welcomed a landmark peace agreement signed on Thursday between President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing it as a critical milestone toward lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who witnessed the historic signing alongside other African leaders in Washington, D.C., praised the decisive leadership and sustained efforts that made the agreement possible. He specifically acknowledged the facilitation by H.E. President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, earlier mediation by H.E. President João Lourenço of Angola, and the complementary roles of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
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Youssouf also commended international support that helped bring the parties together. “The constructive engagement of the United States, including President Donald Trump, created conditions conducive to this outcome,” he said.
He further praised the diplomatic backing of the State of Qatar and its readiness to support African-led peace initiatives.
The accord comes after decades of tension between Rwanda and the DRC, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Large numbers of refugees and armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), settled in eastern DRC, contributing to recurring instability and cross-border clashes.
Recent years saw renewed military operations and attacks, threatening the safety of millions of civilians and straining regional relations.
“The signing of this agreement represents the culmination of sustained diplomatic efforts and regional mediation,” Youssouf said. He urged all parties to implement the accord in both letter and spirit, ensuring it becomes a foundation for reconciliation, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable peace.
Analysts describe the agreement as a potential turning point for the Great Lakes region, offering hope for long-term stability and the pacification of conflict-prone areas in eastern DRC.
The African Union Commission reaffirmed its readiness to accompany the parties and regional mechanisms in advancing the peace process for the benefit of the peoples of Rwanda, the DRC, and the wider region.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
