Statement on the 2025 Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda
The DRC Diaspora Desk is closely reviewing and continuing to process the implications of the Peace Agreement signed on Friday June 27th, 2025 in Washington DC between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda.
We acknowledge the efforts of the United States in facilitating the negotiation of this accord. We also recognize the urgent need to end the violence that has devastated the Congo and displaced millions of our people.
However, we remain deeply concerned that the agreement does not address justice for victims or articulate a clear path toward accountability for perpetrators of war crimes, including those responsible for mass killings, forced displacement and sexual violence.
Over 8,000 lives have been lost since January 2025, more than 6 million people remain internally displaced, and over 1 million have been forced to flee their country. These atrocities cannot be overlooked or deferred.
We reaffirm the call made by Her Excellency Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs, that “accountability must not be postponed.” The Congolese people deserve truth, justice, and reparations.
Additionally, we cannot emphasize enough that:
Justice must be a pillar of peace. Without accountability for state and non-state actors who committed grave human rights abuses, this peace agreement will not be sustainable.
Foreign troops must be withdrawn fully and transparently. The thousands of Rwandan troops operating in eastern DRC must be withdrawn in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2773, passed in February 2025.
Civil society and survivors must be consulted. Implementation efforts must be inclusive and rooted in the lived experiences of affected communities, especially women and displaced persons.
The DRC Diaspora Desk remains committed to a future where peace is built on dignity, accountability, and genuine reconciliation. We will continue to engage stakeholders and monitor implementation of this agreement to ensure that the rights and voices of the conflict's most impacted victims are included in all efforts.
About the DRC Diaspora Desk
The DRC Diaspora Desk is a coalition of Congolese organizations, leaders, advocates, and allies committed to collective action for the benefit of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a hub for coordinated advocacy, we work to ensure that Congolese voices are heard and their rights are respected on local and international platforms.
