DRC and Rwanda sign U.S.-hosted Declaration of Principles for peace in eastern DRC

Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed a Declaration of Principles aimed at advancing peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo during a U.S.-hosted ceremony, officials said.

The declaration commits the parties to “mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” addressing security concerns, promoting regional economic integration, facilitating the return of displaced persons and drafting a comprehensive peace agreement, a U.S. representative said at the event.

The declaration “establishes a fundamental understanding of regional governance, security, economic frameworks,” the U.S. Secretary of State (name not specified in the transcript) said, and described durable peace as a prerequisite for economic development. “Durable peace, and long lasting economic development is not going to be easy, but it is important,” the Secretary of State said.

The Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said the declaration is “not as a symbolic gesture, but as a political commitment, a reaffirmation of principles enshrined in international law,” and invoked recent United Nations Security Council action in urging accountability and proper sequencing of peace and reconstruction. The minister warned that past efforts failed when “sequencing was ignored and accountability postponed.”

Olivier Nguigure, identified in the transcript as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda, said Rwanda welcomed the progress and thanked the United States for hosting the talks. He said the declaration “opens the door to a definitive peace agreement” and emphasized addressing security, the return of refugees and building regional economic value chains linked to private investment.

Speakers at the ceremony credited African Union and regional bodies, naming the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, and noted parallel diplomatic work under a “Doha track” facilitated by the State of Qatar. The U.S. official said the United States will be “in close contact” with African Union partners to support implementation and described the outcome as a step toward attracting investment and economic opportunity for the region.

Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. officials, including a senior adviser identified in the transcript as Masad Bulos (alternatively referenced as Mr. Bulos/Buloz), were present; Rubio and the U.S. Secretary of State were recorded as witnesses to the signing.

Event participants repeatedly stressed that the declaration is an initial political commitment rather than a final peace treaty. Speakers said further negotiations — involving regional organizations and additional tracks of diplomacy — are needed to convert the principles into a comprehensive, enforceable agreement.

The ceremony concluded after signatures were exchanged and witnesses signed the document.