African Union welcomes DRC, Rwanda peace deal, urges faithful implementation

The African Union (AU) has welcomed the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The leaders of the two countries, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of DRC, on December 4, 2025, signed a US-brokered peace deal in Washington, DC, which is expected to silence the raging and blazing guns in the war-torn eastern DRC.

Eastern DRC has endured decades of conflict involving over 100 armed groups, including M23. Since taking up arms again at the end of 2021, the M23 has seized swathes of eastern DRC with alleged Rwanda's backing, triggering a spiralling humanitarian crisis. However, Rwanda has consistently denied involvement in the war.

US President Donald Trump oversaw the signing of the peace deal between Kagame and Tshisekedi as questions about the accord to end one of Africa's longest wars were raised due to continued fighting in eastern DRC.

African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the peace agreement signed, describing this development as a significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region.

(L/R) Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye speaks as Angola's President Joao Lourenco, Kenya's President William Ruto, and US President Donald Trump look on during a signing ceremony hosted by Trump for a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2025. (Credit: AFP)

"The Chairperson acknowledges and appreciates the constructive support provided by the United States, including the personal engagement of President Donald Trump, whose commitment helped create conditions conducive to this outcome," a statement issued shortly after the agreement was signed says.

Peace brokers lauded

The AUC also lauded Qatar for its diplomatic backing and support and its readiness to support African-led peace initiatives.

Youssouf, who joined other African heads of state in witnessing the signing in Washington DC, also commended the 'decisive and sustained leadership that made this agreement possible' and paid special tribute to Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé for his ongoing facilitation, Angolan President João Lourenço for his earlier mediation efforts, and the complementary roles played by leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) throughout the process.

Youssouf urged all parties involved in the peace deal to faithfully implement the agreement in both letter and spirit, ensuring that this moment becomes a foundation for reconciliation, regional co-operation, and sustainable peace.

"The African Union Commission stands ready to accompany the parties and regional mechanisms in advancing this vital process for the benefit of the peoples of the DRC, Rwanda, and the wider region," the statement reads.

US President Donald Trump (L) participates in the signing ceremony of a peace deal with the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame (C) and the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi (R) at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2025. (Credit: AFP)

Cautious tone

After signing the peace deal, both Kagame and Tshisekedi took a cautious tone, as fighting raged in eastern DRC where the M23 armed group, which the UN says is backed by Rwanda, has been gaining ground in recent weeks against Kinshasa's forces.

"There will be ups and downs on the road ahead, there is no doubt about it," Kagame, whose allies have taken a decisive edge on the ground against his country's turbulent neighbour.

The DRC's Tshisekedi called it the "beginning of a new path, a demanding path."

The war

After resurfacing in 2021, M23 seized key towns in North Kivu, fuelling heightened tensions as Kinshasa accused Kigali of supporting the insurgents, allegations Rwanda has consistently denied.

The violence has displaced millions, destabilised communities and prompted urgent international concern. Regional governments, including Uganda, have continually emphasised the need for a political settlement that prioritises security, humanitarian protection, and long-term reconstruction.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (Credit: AFP)

US' gain

Trump said the US also signed deals on critical minerals with the two countries.

"I think it's going to be a great miracle," Trump said after the signing -- held in a peace institute which his administration has just renamed after him.

Speaking of the two leaders, he added: "They spent a lot of time killing each other, and now they are going to spend a lot of time hugging, holding hands and taking advantage of the United States of America economically, like every other country does."

Trump said the agreement will pave the way for the United States to gain access to critical minerals in both countries. The violence-torn eastern DRC in particular has reserves of many of the key ingredients in modern technologies such as electric cars.

It is the latest in a series of deals in which the billionaire Republican has negotiated a stake for US firms to extract rare earth minerals, including in Ukraine.

"We're going take out some of the rare earth," Trump said. "And everybody's going to make a lot of money."

The signing comes more than five months after the countries' foreign ministers also met Trump and announced another deal to end the conflict.