Historic Peace Agreement Signed in Washington
In a significant move, President Donald Trump has joined forces with President Felix Shisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda to sign a peace agreement, termed the “Washington Accord.” This accord aims to officially bring an end to decades of conflict between the two nations.
The signing took place on Thursday afternoon at what is now called the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, previously known simply as the Institute of Peace.
Trump reflected on the occasion, stating, “In this sacred season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we have come to the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement that will end one of the world’s longest-running conflicts that has left over 10 million people dead.” He emphasized the commitment to ending the prolonged violence, saying, “Today, we commit to ending decades of violence and bloodshed and beginning a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.” He acknowledged both leaders as “courageous,” which was a recurring theme throughout his speech.
Prior to the ceremony, Trump held meetings with Tshisekedi and Kagame in the Oval Office. “We discussed the importance of preserving this new agreement, a very detailed and strong agreement,” he mentioned.
The event drew various foreign leaders, including President João Lorenzo of Angola, President Evaristo Ndayishimiye of Burundi, President William Ruto of Kenya, and several others, to whom Trump expressed gratitude. He credited each of them, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, as essential players in reaching this agreement.
According to Trump, the agreement not only seeks a permanent ceasefire but also focuses on disarmament of non-state forces, returning refugees home, and ensuring justice for those who commit atrocities. What’s more, it lays the groundwork for economic cooperation. He noted, “There is tremendous wealth on that beautiful planet…but it was so stained with blood. But it will support lasting peace in this region.” He underscored the commitment from both countries to integrate their economies, shifting focus away from conflict.
Trump also mentioned plans to establish bilateral economic agreements with both nations, suggesting that exciting opportunities lie ahead for businesses in this partnership. “Everyone would make a lot of money by sending some of our biggest companies there,” he remarked.
After Trump’s address, both Kagame and Tshisekedi expressed their appreciation for the president’s efforts in brokering the peace deal. Kagame highlighted, “The biggest word of thanks goes to President Donald Trump. No one asked him to take on this mission,” acknowledging that while the region is often ignored, Trump seized the chance to help bring peace. He shared that past efforts over the last 30 years had been ineffective until now.
Tshisekedi conveyed his “deep gratitude” and noted the potential of the Washington Accord as a pathway to breaking the cycles of violence, mistrust, and rebellion, fostering a new era of friendship and shared prosperity in the region.
