Rwanda’s Parliament on Tuesday ratified a peace agreement signed with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at ending decades of insecurity in eastern Congo and strengthening cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
The agreement, signed in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 2025, outlines joint efforts to dismantle armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which Rwanda has long considered a major threat to its national security.
Presenting the bill to lawmakers, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said the deal offers a framework to restore peace and stability. “This agreement seeks to bring lasting peace to the region by eliminating the FDLR and halting any form of support it may be receiving from the Congolese government,” he said.
The deal also includes provisions to reduce Rwanda’s defense posture once security improves, and to create a joint monitoring committee made up of representatives from both countries, along with observers from the United States, Qatar, Togo and other partners.
A first follow-up meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4 in Washington, with future sessions to alternate between Kigali and Kinshasa. Implementation of the agreement is expected to roll out over 90 days, with an additional 30 days for logistical preparations.
Beyond security, the agreement includes provisions for economic collaboration. These involve proposed investments in the Virunga National Park, mining operations, social development projects, and the long-awaited Ruzizi III hydroelectric power plant.
“These are transformative opportunities that can reshape our region from one marked by violence to one built on cooperation,” Nduhungirehe said.
Still, several members of Parliament expressed doubts about the deal’s enforceability, citing a history of unfulfilled agreements.
“We’ve seen over 10 agreements signed with Congo, and the FDLR remains intact,” said MP Nabahire Anastase. “What guarantees do we have this one will be honored?”
MP Jean Claude Ntezimana questioned Congo’s sincerity, recalling past threats from President Félix Tshisekedi against Rwanda.
Minister Nduhungirehe acknowledged the concerns, stressing that Rwanda’s security measures will remain in place unless meaningful progress is made.
“We’ll only ease defense measures once we are confident the underlying threats have been addressed,” he said.
The peace agreement is considered one of the most ambitious steps in recent years to normalize relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
