The United States has welcomed draft proposals submitted by the governments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking a significant step toward a long-awaited peace agreement between the two neighboring countries.
Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on African Affairs, confirmed receipt of the preliminary documents outlining the positions of both Kigali and Kinshasa on the anticipated peace deal. The proposals follow the signing of a foundational principles agreement in New York on April 25, 2025, aimed at restoring long-term peace and fostering positive diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
“I have received and reviewed the draft framework documents submitted by Rwanda and the DRC, which represent an important milestone in fulfilling the commitments made during the signing of the principles agreement,” said Boulos. “I remain hopeful that both sides will continue to show the necessary resolve to reach a sustainable peace.”
The move follows a high-level encounter between Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, during the inauguration of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema last week. Both officials reportedly met with Boulos during the ceremony.
Minister Nduhungirehe clarified that no formal peace draft had been on the table until now, contrary to some earlier media reports. The newly submitted documents, he said, are intended to serve as the foundation for the upcoming negotiations toward a final peace agreement.
“The talks on a peace agreement have not formally begun because the proposals from both sides were still being aligned,” Nduhungirehe said.
Rwanda and the DRC have expressed a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity and instability in the eastern Congo region, a territory plagued by armed groups, including some with links to neighboring countries.
More than 130 armed groups are currently active in eastern DRC, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia founded by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda continues to cite the FDLR as a serious security threat, noting that the group has launched over 20 cross-border attacks since 2018.
In one of the most recent incidents, artillery shelling from FDLR positions in January 2025 struck Rwanda’s Rubavu District, killing 16 civilians and injuring more than 160 others.
Rwanda maintains that the FDLR continues to operate freely in the DRC and accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the militia in some of the attacks on Rwandan territory—allegations Kinshasa has repeatedly denied.
The peace proposal was formally submitted to the U.S. on May 5, 2025, and is expected to serve as the basis for upcoming negotiations. According to Boulos, the U.S. is committed to supporting the two nations in resolving any outstanding differences and advancing toward a binding peace deal.
“This is a pivotal step forward, and we are closely watching the progress,” Boulos said.
During the April 25 signing of the principles agreement in New York, both foreign ministers committed to drafting a peace accord by May 2, a deadline set by the U.S. and represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The draft now submitted is expected to facilitate consensus-building on contentious issues.
On April 27, U.S. President Donald Trump—who has played a key role in mediating the talks—expressed optimism about the regional peace prospects.
“We have good news on Rwanda and the DRC,” Trump said. “I believe peace is coming between Rwanda, Congo, and a few of their neighbors. This is going to be a big deal. We are hopeful for meaningful results.”
The final peace agreement is expected to be signed by Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi in Washington D.C. this June, in a ceremony likely to be presided over by President Trump. A separate agreement on regional development cooperation is also scheduled to be signed during the event.
