Washington DC – between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, calling it a significant milestone for lasting peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region. The ceremony took place today in Washington DC, witnessed by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, alongside other African heads of state.
Youssouf commended the decisive and sustained leadership that enabled the agreement, paying special tribute to H.E. President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo for his ongoing facilitation and H.E. President João Lourenço of Angola for earlier mediation efforts. He also recognized the complementary roles played by leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in supporting the process.
The AU Chairperson acknowledged the constructive international support that contributed to the outcome, including the personal engagement of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and diplomatic backing from the State of Qatar, both of which helped create conditions conducive to the agreement.
Calling on all parties to implement the deal in both letter and spirit, Youssouf said the agreement should serve as a foundation for reconciliation, regional cooperation, and sustainable peace. The African Union Commission pledged to continue accompanying the parties and regional mechanisms to advance the process for the benefit of the peoples of the DRC, Rwanda, and the wider region.
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