White House Confirms the Final Step in Rwanda–DR Congo Peace Process
The White House has officially confirmed that Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) will sign their final peace and economic agreement on December 4, 2025.
This announcement was made on December 1, 2025, by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a briefing with journalists.
She stated that on Thursday, President Donald Trump will receive both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo, for what she described as a historic moment.
“On Thursday, President Trump will welcome the Presidents of Rwanda and DR Congo to sign a historic peace and economic agreement,” Leavitt said.
This will be the last step in a long negotiation process aimed at restoring calm in the Great Lakes Region.
Both Presidents Confirmed Their Attendance
A week before the announcement, both Kagame and Tshisekedi had confirmed that they would travel to the United States for the signing ceremony.
They said the agreement brings new hope for long-lasting stability, especially in the eastern part of DR Congo, where insecurity has affected millions of people for decades.
The final document is expected to include commitments on:
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Peace and security cooperation
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Joint economic projects
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Border safety
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Movement of goods and people
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Regional stability
Regional Leaders Also Invited
The United States also invited regional Heads of State to witness the signing ceremony as official observers.
Among the invited leaders are the President of Kenya and the President of Burundi.
The Office of the President of Burundi confirmed on December 2, 2025, that President Évariste Ndayishimiye had already departed for the United States to attend the event.
This is seen as a strong diplomatic move to ensure regional support for the peace agreement and to strengthen cooperation between neighboring countries.
For more background on regional cooperation, you can read:
DR Congo Sends Senior Delegation Ahead of the Event
On December 1, the DR Congo government sent an official delegation to the United States to prepare for the ceremony.
The team includes:
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The Speaker of the National Assembly
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Several senior ministers
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Members of the President’s advisory staff
Their presence shows the importance DR Congo places on this agreement and its potential impact on the country’s future.
Officials hope the deal will help reduce conflict, support economic growth, and open space for more cooperation with Rwanda.
Why This Agreement Matters
The planned signing is viewed worldwide as a major diplomatic achievement.
If successfully implemented, the agreement could:
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Improve trade in the region
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Reduce cross-border tensions
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Strengthen peace and security
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Support development in local communities
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Encourage foreign investment in the Great Lakes Region
For Rwanda and DR Congo, the deal marks a possible turning point after years of accusations, mistrust, and violence in border areas.
