Uhuru joins Trump to witness historic peace deal between Rwanda and DRC

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta joined other world leaders at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C., USA, to witness the signing of the historic Washington Accords for Peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Uhuru Kenyatta served as a regional peace facilitator, and his presence underscored Kenya’s continued commitment to peace, dialogue, and stability in the Great Lakes region and across the continent.

Speaking at the historic ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2025, Trump stated that the United States of America is committed to stopping decades of violence and bloodshed and to beginning a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Just

“We have come to the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement that will end one of the longest-running conflicts anywhere in the world.” Trump said.

On the other hand, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix Tshisekedi underscored the pivotal roles of the leaders and mediators who have guided the peace process over the years and acknowledged the role played by Uhuru Kenyatta and Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves in initiating the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks, which laid the groundwork for the breakthrough.

These two great Africans were there at the beginning; they started the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to President Trump and the American people for championing the rapprochement.

Tshisekedi emphasised that the agreements bring together a coherent architecture, a declaration of principles, a peace agreement, and an economic integration framework to finally overcome the cycle of violence, displacement, mistrust, and defiance.

He acknowledged that the Washington Accords marked a new era of friendship and cooperation and shared described prosperity.

President Kagame also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to securing sustaining peace in the region.

“It is now up to us in Africa, working with our partners to consolidate and expand this peace, Rwanda will not be found wanting.” He added that Rwanda’s only objective has always been to ensure that the country is safe and secure after having endured so much tragedy.

Historic peace deal

The Washington Accords signed by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi, end 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.

Other leaders present include President William Ruto, President Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço (Angola).

Also present at the ceremony were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senior Diplomats, and global peace partners who witnessed the signing.