The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a landmark peace agreement in Washington D.C. on Thursday, formally committing to end decades of bloodshed that have destabilized Africa's Great Lakes region. The ceremony, witnessed by former US President Donald Trump, aims to pave the way for economic cooperation and regional security.

For Kenya and the wider East African Community (EAC), this agreement is more than a distant diplomatic handshake. It directly impacts the security of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed in eastern DRC and holds the potential to reshape regional trade and security dynamics. Kenyan President William Ruto, who attended the signing, hailed the agreement as "a decisive act to end a devastating conflict that has scarred the region for decades."

A Fragile Hope for Peace

The deal, officially titled the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, builds on an initial agreement signed by the two countries' foreign ministers in June 2025. It calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC and for the Congolese government to cease its support for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia group.

The conflict's roots are complex, stretching back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with cycles of violence fueled by ethnic tensions and competition over the DRC's vast mineral wealth, including coltan, cobalt, and gold. The fighting has displaced more than seven million people and led to an estimated six million deaths over nearly three decades.

Despite the optimism in Washington, significant hurdles remain. The powerful M23 rebel group, which Congo and UN experts have long accused Rwanda of backing, is not a signatory to the agreement. Fighting was reported in eastern Congo even as the leaders prepared to sign the deal, underscoring the immense challenge of translating diplomatic text into lasting peace on the ground.

Kenya's Stake in a Stable Congo

The accord carries significant weight for Nairobi. Kenya has been a key contributor of troops to peacekeeping missions in the DRC, first under the EAC regional force and now as part of the UN's MONUSCO mission. The safety of these soldiers is paramount, and a successful peace process could redefine their mission and accelerate their safe return.

President Ruto emphasized the collective regional responsibility in ensuring the deal's success. "We will spare no effort to ensure this agreement is fully realized, mobilizing every resource and partner to secure peace, and unlock the region's immense economic promise," he stated.

The agreement also includes a framework for regional economic integration, which could unlock new trade corridors and investment opportunities vital for Kenya's economy. The US has signaled its intent to promote American private sector investment, particularly in the critical minerals sector.

While DRC President Felix Tshisekedi described the deal as a "turning point," he also voiced a cautious hope that Rwanda will "respect the letter and spirit of the deal." For his part, Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised the US-led effort as providing the "clearest and most viable path forward that we have ever had." The coming months will prove critical in determining whether this historic pact can finally silence the guns in eastern Congo.