On June 27, 2025, Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement with the support of the United States. The agreement focused on dismantling the terrorist group FDLR and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures.
On December 4, 2025, both countries reaffirmed the agreement and added provisions on regional economic cooperation, focusing on trade, mining, and infrastructure development.
However, the Washington agreement required the DRC to dismantle the FDLR, which has not yet been implemented. Rwanda has stated it cannot lift its defensive measures while the group and its allies remain a threat near its borders.
Rwanda also informed the United States that the DRC government continues to support the FDLR, integrating its members into its army and into local armed groups known as Wazalendo, to fight the AFC/M23, which controls large parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
Amid rising tensions, delegations from Rwanda and the DRC met again in Washington from March 17 to 18, where they agreed on concrete steps to implement the peace agreement.
The U.S. Department of State stated that both countries agreed on measures to ease tensions, including respecting each other’s sovereignty and independence as outlined in the agreement.
Other agreed steps include the effective dismantling of the FDLR, a phased lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, and the protection of civilians.
The United States affirmed that both Rwanda and the DRC reiterated their commitment to achieving lasting peace and development in their countries and the wider region, based on the Washington peace agreement.
