Washington Accord most credible pathway to ending decades of conflict in DCR
Public Statement by H.E President William Ruto
The protracted conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has endured far beyond what humanity can reasonably bear.
For decades, it has claimed innumerable lives and driven countless families from the safety of their homes. A generation of children has been stripped of its innocence, deprived of education, and denied the simple promise of a stable childhood.
Normal commercial activity and cross-border trade- lifelines of regional prosperity- have been gravely disrupted, stalling development and deepening hardship.
This prolonged suffering is a profound injustice to the people of Eastern DRC, who deserve lasting stability and the chance to build a peaceful, dignified, and prosperous future for themselves and their nation.
At the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C, I was honoured to witness the historic signing of a peace deal between President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
The Washington Accord now stands as the most credible and hopeful pathway to ending three decades of conflict and inaugurating a new chapter of friendship, cooperation, and mutual progress in our region.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for his steadfast commitment and decisive leadership in helping bring this historic agreement to fruition.
We likewise honour the invaluable contributions of the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and all mediators whose tireless efforts shepherded the peace process to this defining moment.
We now call upon all parties to faithfully uphold and implement the terms of the Accord so that the people of Eastern DRC may return to their homes, rebuild their lives, and reclaim the peace, dignity, and hope that have long been denied to them.
