5 promises that Tshisekedi Assures the U.S. and Rwanda that the DRC Will Do as Part of New Peace Deal

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, has pledged that his government is fully committed to dismantling all armed groups operating on Congolese soil, in line with the newly signed peace and economic cooperation agreements between the DRC and Rwanda.

Tshisekedi delivered this assurance on December 4, 2025, in the United States, shortly after he and Rwandan President Paul Kagame formally endorsed the agreements aimed at restoring peace, enhancing security, and strengthening economic collaboration between the two neighboring countries.

“We are committed to fully and faithfully implementing all obligations required of us under these agreements,” Tshisekedi stated. “We will continue to act in the interests of our citizens, pursuing peace, security, national unity, and the sovereignty of our country.”

The Congolese leader emphasized that he trusts Rwanda will also uphold its responsibilities within the peace framework, stressing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation.

“We are moving toward peaceful cooperation based on respect, non-interference, and a shared determination to confront armed groups, halt all forms of support to them, and begin genuine partnership,” he noted.

Tshisekedi further highlighted that both nations are entering a new era that could finally lead them to lasting peace. He said the DRC government would remain vigilant but committed to honoring its part of the deal in collaboration with international partners.

“These Washington agreements on peace and economic cooperation must belong to our people,” he said. “They symbolize our commitment to turning the page on conflict and ushering in a new era of partnership and sustained peace in the region.”

What the Peace Agreement Entails

The peace accord between Rwanda and the DRC outlines several key commitments, including:

• The dismantling of the FDLR, a genocidal armed group, along with other affiliated militias operating in eastern DRC.

• The removal of defensive measures Rwanda had adopted in response to threats posed by these groups.

• Joint economic initiatives, such as the construction of the Rusizi III hydropower plant.

• Shared management of resources within Lake Kivu.

• Cooperation in trade, mining, and conservation, including joint protection of regional parks and natural reserves.

Kagame’s stance and reaction

Kagame described the U.S.-brokered negotiations and upcoming agreement as a “delicate but promising shift,” indicating that the diplomatic process «offers real hope» for resolving longstanding conflict between the two countries. He reiterated Rwanda’s readiness to implement its part of the agreement. As he put it: “You will never find Rwanda at fault with implementing what we have agreed to do, you will never.” However, he also issued a warning: if the other side “plays tricks” or reneges on commitments, Rwanda will respond accordingly. He emphasized that external mediation (by the U.S.) can only help so much; lasting peace depends on the willingness of regional actors to follow through.

U.S. Reaction

The United States, which hosted the signing ceremony, stated that if fully implemented, this peace agreement could transform the region.

According to U.S. officials, the deal “has the potential to deliver lasting peace and meaningful development to the entire Great Lakes region,” benefiting both Rwandan and Congolese citizens.

The agreement marks one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs between the two countries in years, offering renewed hope for an end to decades of insecurity in eastern Congo.