Ruto Lauds Trump-Brokered Rwanda-DRC Peace Pact in Washington

Ruto praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s bold leadership for convening the talks and securing the Washington Accord, which formalizes a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of armed groups, refugee returns, and economic cooperation.

In a statement issued after attending the signing ceremony at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace, President Ruto said the accord, dubbed The Washington Accord, marks a decisive turning point for a region long plagued by violence, instability, and humanitarian suffering.

“The protracted conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has endured far beyond what humanity can reasonably bear. For decades, it has claimed innumerable lives and driven countless families from the safety of their homes,” said President Ruto.

He went on: “A generation of children has been stripped of its innocence, deprived of education, and denied the simple promise of a stable childhood. Normal commercial activity and cross-border trade- lifelines of regional prosperity- have been gravely disrupted, stalling development and deepening hardship.”

Regional Leaders Unite for Stability

Ruto joined Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, alongside leaders from Angola, Burundi, and Togo, at the U.S. Institute of Peace ceremony hosted by Trump.

Other Heads of State present at the signing ceremony were Togolese President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé, Angolan President João Lourenço, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Kenyan President William Ruto, African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, Qatari Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Al Khulaifi and Emirati Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan.

He highlighted how the 30-year war has devastated livelihoods, disrupted trade, and stalled development across the Great Lakes region, calling the accord the most credible path to friendship and progress.

Ruto vowed full commitment to implementation, urging all parties to uphold terms for the sake of displaced victims.

Economic Promise and Broader Appeals

The Kenyan leader emphasized that peace in Eastern DRC could unlock vast resources, youth talent, and infrastructure linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area for unprecedented transformation.

According to President Ruto, the Washington Accord offers the strongest opportunity in decades to restore lasting stability and unlock a new era of cooperation and prosperity between Rwanda and the DRC.

“This prolonged suffering is a profound injustice to the people of Eastern DRC, who deserve lasting stability and the chance to build a peaceful, dignified, and prosperous future,” he said.

Ruto also appealed to Trump for support in resolving Sudan’s crisis, tying it to broader global peace efforts.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for his steadfast commitment and decisive leadership in helping bring this historic agreement to fruition,” Ruto said

Trump expressed confidence in the leaders’ follow-through, hailing the day as great for Africa and the world.