Leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to sign peace treaty in Washington, D.C.

December 4 In Washington, D.C., a major diplomatic event is set to take place as the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepare to sign a peace accord aimed at ending ongoing hostilities and fostering economic collaboration. The White House will host a trilateral meeting featuring President Donald Trump, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Congolese President Flix Tshisekedi.

Following their discussions, the three leaders will participate in an official signing ceremony at the recently renamed Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace. The timing of the event coincides with the installation of the new signage on the institute's building, underscoring Trump's efforts to position himself as a key international mediator.

Leaders from other nations, including Burundi and Qatar, are also expected to attend the ceremony. However, despite the agreement, clashes between forces from Rwanda and the DRC have continued, highlighting the fragile nature of the peace process. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a claim Kigali has denied.

Representatives from M23 are not scheduled to attend the Washington signing, though they are engaged in ongoing peace negotiations mediated by Qatar. Key points of the agreement include Rwanda's demand for the disarmament of the FDLR militia in eastern DRC, responsible for past atrocities, while the DRC seeks the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory.

Author: Olivia Parker