The African Union (AU) has strongly welcomed the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, a breakthrough peace deal formalized between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda at a ceremony hosted by the United States.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the agreement, signed by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as a "significant milestone" in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, and stability in the troubled Great Lakes region. The agreement is designed to end decades of conflict, curb the operations of armed groups, and establish a framework for regional economic cooperation.
The signing ceremony in Washington, D.C., highlighted the convergence of international and regional diplomatic efforts.
The AU Chairperson acknowledged the pivotal role played by the United States, including the personal engagement of President Donald Trump, and commended the State of Qatar for its diplomatic backing. Both countries are designated to serve on the new Joint Oversight Committee established by the accords.
Youssouf also paid special tribute to the sustained African leadership that paved the way for the deal: President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo for his ongoing facilitation, President João Lourenço of Angola for his earlier mediation efforts, and the complementary roles played by the leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In his statement, the AU Chairperson stressed that the success of the initiative hinges on genuine follow-through by both Kinshasa and Kigali.
"Youssouf calls on all parties to faithfully implement the agreement in both letter and spirit," the statement read, urging them to ensure the accords serve as a foundation for reconciliation and sustainable regional cooperation.
The AU Commission confirmed its readiness to support both nations, along with all associated regional mechanisms, in the crucial work of advancing the peace process. The agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and a Regional Economic Integration Framework aimed at fostering shared prosperity, notably through critical mineral trade.
