Rwanda and the United States held high-level talks in Washington D.C. this week to advance peace and economic integration across the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa and Arab Affairs at the U.S. State Department, to review progress under the Washington Peace Agreement and discuss next steps toward lasting stability and shared prosperity.
Boulos said: “Lasting peace and prosperity in the region depend on the full and timely implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, and we are relying on President Kagame’s continued commitment to that goal.”
During the discussions, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the “Concept of Operations” phase of the Washington accord, and how the complementary Doha track is advancing a peaceful resolution between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Armed Forces of the Congolese (M23)/AFC.
“Through coordinated efforts in trade, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and transparent mineral supply chains, we are building not just economic growth, but a sustainable peace that benefits all communities in the Great Lakes region,” Nduhungirehe said.
The meeting also examined how regional economic integration can reinforce stability. Boulos emphasised that cooperation on trade, infrastructure, energy, and tourism will underpin “long-term growth and shared prosperity across all communities.”
The talks referenced recent verified developments, including a memorandum of understanding signed by Rwanda and the DRC in June 2025 in Washington, aimed at ending decades of conflict and creating mechanisms for the return of refugees and displaced persons.
Rwanda stressed that it has no soldiers on Congolese soil and called for direct dialogue between Kinshasa and the M23 movement.
Minister Nduhungirehe noted: “Rwanda stands ready to work with the DRC to deliver on our joint commitments. We must acknowledge that there is a great deal of uncertainty in our region, and beyond, because many previous agreements have not been implemented.”
The meeting also reviewed how the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha track, facilitated by Qatar, complement one another. Both sides stressed that transparent mineral supply chains, energy connectivity, and cross-border trade are essential for cementing peace and growth.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said: “In the Great Lakes region, peace must come first, followed by the rebuilding of trust.”
The two countries reaffirmed the need for full and timely implementation of all commitments under the Washington accord, stressing that delays or partial compliance could undermine prospects for durable stability.
The dialogue signals an intensified phase of cooperation, not just in diplomacy, but in building the economic architecture of a more peaceful and interconnected Great Lakes region.
