Washington, DC – 27 June 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio,

Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of DRC,

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,

Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi of Qatar

My colleague Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo, Robert Duseey,

Senators,

Dear colleagues,
 

Good afternoon.

Let me begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to President Donald Trump for his personal engagement in facilitating this historic agreement.

We also extend our gratitude to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Advisor Massad Boulos, and the entire State Department team. Your dedication has been indispensable.

This agreement is the product of months of coordinated efforts by multiple actors.

It is very important to note that the State of Qatar has played an absolutely central role. Indeed, the opening which led to today’s agreement began in Doha.

We will lend our full support in the weeks ahead to Qatar’s mediation efforts, led by Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, to secure a peace agreement between the DRC Government and AFC/M23. This process is already well underway.

Today’s agreement also builds on the African-led peace initiatives, which are ably led by the African Union Facilitator, President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo.

The heart of this peace agreement is the decision to establish a standing Joint Security Coordination Mechanism between Rwanda and the DRC.

The first order of business is to begin implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralization of FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.

This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region.

FDLR is no ordinary militia. It is the remnant of the forces which committed the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994, in which a million people were killed.

With this agreement, we also committed to facilitate the return of refugees in our respective territories, with the support of UNHCR.

Creating the conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees is vital to achieving lasting peace.

We also look to enhanced economic cooperation, including with American companies and investors. Shared growth and cross border cooperation will unlock tangible dividends for both our countries.

We must acknowledge that there is a great deal of uncertainty in our region, and beyond, because many previous agreements have not been implemented. And there is no doubt, that the road ahead will not be easy.

But with the continued support of the United States and other partners, we believe that a turning point has been reached.

Rwanda stands ready to work with the DRC to deliver on our joint commitments.

To conclude, allow me to once again express Rwanda’s appreciation to all who have contributed to this milestone. 

Thank you