In a move heralded as a monumental step towards regional peace, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi formally signed a peace agreement in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, committing to end a brutal 30-year conflict. The ceremony, held at the United States Institute of Peace, was witnessed by a delegation of world leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto.

For Kenya, the accord is more than a distant diplomatic victory; it is a critical development for national and regional stability. The protracted war in Eastern Congo has not only triggered a massive humanitarian crisis but has also hampered economic progress across the Great Lakes region, impacting trade routes and creating persistent insecurity that Kenya has invested heavily in resolving through initiatives like the Nairobi Process.

A Glimmer of Hope After Decades of Bloodshed

The conflict, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, has led to what is sometimes called the "African World War," drawing in multiple nations and armed groups. The human cost has been staggering, with the violence directly and indirectly causing an estimated six million deaths and displacing over seven million people, making it one of the world's deadliest conflicts since World War II.

The newly signed "Washington Accord" aims to finally silence the guns. Key provisions of the deal include:

• A commitment to cease all hostilities and respect each other's territorial integrity.
• The withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC and an end to Congolese support for the FDLR militia.
• The establishment of a joint security mechanism to oversee disarmament and demobilisation of non-state armed groups like the M23 rebels.
• Facilitating the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Kenya's Enduring Stake in Regional Stability

President Ruto, speaking at the ceremony, described the accord as a “monumental diplomatic milestone” for the continent. His presence underscores Kenya's significant role as a regional peacemaker, having previously led the EAC-facilitated Nairobi Process, a parallel diplomatic track aimed at resolving the conflict. A stable DRC, which joined the East African Community in 2022, is seen as a vital economic partner for Kenya, offering a vast market of over 100 million people and unlocking crucial trade corridors from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic.

The ceremony was attended by several African leaders, including Presidents João Lourenço of Angola and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, alongside the recently elected African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. President Ruto also praised the “bold leadership” of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, whose administration brokered the final talks, noting that his focused commitment was pivotal in reaching the agreement.

While the signing marks a significant achievement, analysts caution that the path to lasting peace will be arduous. The success of the accord hinges on the unwavering implementation of its terms by both nations. For millions across the Great Lakes, and for Kenya's own economic and security future, the hope is that this agreement finally represents a true turning point.