DRC, Rwanda Sign Joint Declaration on Path to Peace at Ceremony in Washington

The declaration "marks a renewed commitment to peace, sovereignty, and stability in the Great Lakes region," the Congolese Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

The signatories are the DRC FM Therese Wagner and Rwandan FM Olivier Nduhungirehe. The event was held at the US Department of State and attended by State Secretary Marco Rubio.

Here are the key statements by the signatories:

🇨🇩 Wagner:

⦁ the signing is a political commitment, not a symbolic gesture, according to Wagner;
⦁ it reaffirms principles from international law and UNSC resolution 2773;
⦁ the DRC calls for withdrawal of foreign troops from its territory; emphasizes accountability, measurable timelines, and consequences for noncompliance;
⦁ peace first, trust-building next, and cooperation later.

🇷🇼 Nduhungirehe:

⦁ it's important to address the root causes of the conflict in the eastern DRC;
⦁ Rwanda aims for a secure, well-governed region free of ethnic extremism and linked through new economic value chains;
⦁ it is committed to working with all partners for a comprehensive peace agreement;
⦁ it thanks the US for enabling progress in resolving the conflict.

📄 Fundamental principles of the declaration:

⦁ respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity;
⦁ non-interference in internal affairs of states;
⦁ peaceful resolution of disputes;
⦁ cessation of support to armed groups;
⦁ safe and voluntary return of displaced persons and refugees;
⦁ framework for regional economic integration.

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