The governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed an initial economic cooperation agreement in Washington, marking a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and foster peace in the Great Lakes region.
The agreement, witnessed by senior officials from the United States Department of State, focuses on enhancing cross-border trade, infrastructure development, and investment in energy and mining projects. According to Reuters, both nations have agreed to form a joint economic commission that will oversee implementation and monitor progress on shared development goals.
Speaking after the signing, DRC’s Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi described the deal as “a new beginning for economic stability and peace in Central Africa.” He added that sustained trade and industrial collaboration could “help replace decades of conflict with shared prosperity.” Rwandan Trade Minister Beata Habyarimana emphasized that “economic cooperation is key to building lasting peace and trust between our nations,” as quoted by Bloomberg.
The pact forms part of a broader U.S.-backed regional peace process aimed at reducing hostilities in eastern Congo, where armed groups have destabilized the region for years. As reported by Voice of America, Washington praised the move as a model of “constructive engagement,” adding that the deal could encourage further regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Both countries are expected to hold follow-up meetings in Kigali and Kinshasa early next year to finalize trade facilitation measures and investment guarantees as part of the peace-linked economic roadmap.
