A new peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) was signed on June 27 in Washington, DC, with a major focus on dismantling the FDLR militia—an armed group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reportedly backed by Kinshasa.
The agreement, facilitated by the United States, was endorsed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Congolese counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner.
Nduhungirehe confirmed that the first step will be the implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralization of the FDLR (CONOPS). Rwanda is expected to ease its border security measures once the FDLR threat is reduced.
“This militia is not ordinary—it’s made up of remnants responsible for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda,” said Nduhungirehe.
The CONOPS framework was initially agreed upon during the Luanda Process in October 2024. It includes concrete steps to cut off support to the FDLR and other armed groups, under the supervision of the African Union and mediation by Angola’s President João Lourenço.
Nduhungirehe later met with former US President Donald Trump, stressing that implementing the CONOPS is critical for regional stability. He also noted that Rwanda’s security measures along the border will remain until both the FDLR and hostile elements within the Congolese army are addressed.
On the question of the M23/AFC rebel group, Nduhungirehe clarified that the Washington agreement does not include them, as separate negotiations are being held in Doha, Qatar.
“This peace accord complements the ongoing Doha talks. We expect a parallel agreement with the M23 to come from that process,” he said.
M23/AFC leader Corneille Nangaa has cited weak governance and institutional failure as the root causes of rebellion, calling for reforms around human rights, national security, and anti-corruption.
The new agreement also addresses the return of refugees. Rwanda currently hosts over 100,000 Congolese refugees, some of whom have been displaced for more than 20 years.
“Together with UNHCR, we’re committed to creating the right conditions for their safe return,” said Nduhungirehe.
Beyond security, the deal also aims to foster economic cooperation and development in the region, with Nduhungirehe encouraging American investment in joint projects.
“This agreement marks a turning point in our relationship,” he said. “Despite the challenges ahead, Rwanda is fully committed to implementing these shared commitments and working with DR Congo toward a peaceful and prosperous future.”