UN Hails DRC–Rwanda Peace Agreement as Pivotal Step Toward Regional Stability

Edited By : Widad WAHBI

The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, has welcomed the newly signed peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda as a significant milestone in efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict in the eastern part of the DRC.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Friday, Keita described the agreement—signed in Washington by the foreign ministers of both countries—as “a major step forward towards the end of the conflict.” She praised the United States for its role in facilitating the deal, calling it a “decisive move toward peace and stability” in the Great Lakes region.

During her recent visit to Eastern DRC, Keita aimed to boost the morale of MONUSCO personnel following a difficult period and to engage with M23-linked armed groups on operational matters related to the UN mission’s mandate.

Keita expressed cautious optimism, noting progress toward a political resolution to the recurrent cycles of violence in eastern Congo. “MONUSCO remains committed to supporting these efforts in line with the Security Council’s mandate,” she said.

U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized that the agreement is grounded in “mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and international humanitarian law,” and framed it as an “historic step” that supports African-led peace initiatives and opens avenues for regional economic cooperation.

However, the Congolese representative, Hippolyte Kingonzila Mfulu, expressed concern about ongoing insecurity. He accused Rwanda of continued military aggression through support for M23, citing grave human rights violations including civilian massacres, sexual violence, and forced child recruitment. He added that the agreement includes a commitment from Rwanda to “unconditionally withdraw all troops from Congolese territory,” and called on the United States to impose sanctions if compliance is not met.

Rwanda’s Ambassador Martin Ngoga acknowledged that while challenges remain, the peace process is now “clearer than ever.” He highlighted the establishment of a joint security coordination mechanism to oversee the neutralization of armed groups like the FDLR and the removal of Rwanda’s defensive postures, in line with a previously agreed plan.

Ngoga insisted that Rwanda’s actions are responses to threats from the FDLR, which he described as remnants of the forces responsible for the 1994 genocide. He urged MONUSCO to “lower the rhetoric” and focus on constructive engagement, reaffirming Rwanda’s belief in a negotiated political solution as the only sustainable path forward for the Great Lakes region.