Uhuru Kenyatta: Washington peace agreement marks new dawn for Rwanda and DRC

Kenyatta was among the leaders who witnessed the landmark agreement signed by Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace in Washington.

The Accords establish a permanent ceasefire, outline the disarmament of armed groups, provide for the safe return of refugees, and set a foundation for economic integration.

In welcoming the agreement noted that the Washington Accords build on years of committed regional diplomacy, including the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks, which he helped facilitate. 

"The Washington Accords signed by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and President FelixTshisekedi ends decades of conflict in the region by establishing a permanent ceasefire, the disarmament of rebel groups, provisions for refugees to return home, and a new framework for economic prosperity, addressing one of the world’s deadliest conflicts, which has claimed more than 10 million lives," Kenyatta said in a statement on Friday.

He commended Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi for their leadership and courage in embracing a new path of dialogue, trust-building, and cooperation. 

The former president further recognised the role of President Donald Trump and the United States in supporting the peace initiative and providing a platform for this historic moment.

He stressed that the agreement offers renewed hope to millions affected by conflict and creates an unprecedented opportunity for the Great Lakes region to pursue peace, security, and economic transformation. 

"The Washington peace deal now paves the way for renewed cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC, giving millions hope for lasting peace after decades of conflict," he said.