Officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed on a series of concrete steps aimed at easing tensions and advancing peace efforts, following high-level talks held in Washington, D.C. on March 17–18, 2026.
The meeting, conducted under the framework of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, focused on accelerating the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement.
Representatives from both countries outlined coordinated actions intended to stabilize the security situation in eastern DRC and improve bilateral relations.
Among the key outcomes was a mutual commitment to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity—an issue that has long been at the center of tensions between the two neighbors.
The agreement also includes plans for the scheduled disengagement of forces and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures in specific areas within DRC territory.
In parallel, the DRC committed to intensifying and expediting operations to neutralize the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), an armed group that has been a persistent source of insecurity in the region.
These efforts are expected to follow a defined timeline, signaling a more structured approach to addressing armed group activity.
Both sides emphasized the importance of protecting civilians as a central pillar of the agreement, acknowledging the significant humanitarian toll the conflict has taken on local populations.
The renewed commitments underscore a shared intention by Kigali and Kinshasa to move toward lasting peace and regional stability.
By reaffirming their obligations under the Washington Accords, the two countries signaled cautious optimism that sustained cooperation and accountability could pave the way for long-term prosperity in the Great Lakes region.
While challenges remain, the outcomes of the Washington meeting represent a notable diplomatic step forward in efforts to de-escalate one of Africa’s most complex and protracted conflicts.