The African Union Commission
Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has welcomed the peace agreement signed
between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo
President Félix Tshisekedi.
In a statement, Youssouf called it a
major step toward ending years of instability in the Great Lakes region.
He described the accord, now called
the Washington Accord, as a significant milestone that strengthens ongoing
efforts to secure lasting peace, security and stability for communities
affected by decades of conflict.
“He describes this development as a
significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, and stability
in the Great Lakes region,” a statement read in part.
He acknowledged the role of the
United States in the process, noting President Donald Trump’s personal
involvement, which he said helped create an environment that allowed the
agreement to take shape.
Youssouf also praised the State of
Qatar for offering diplomatic backing and supporting African-led peace efforts.
The AU Chairperson was among several
African Heads of State who witnessed the signing ceremony held on Thursday in
Washington, DC.
He applauded the leadership shown
throughout the negotiations and paid tribute to Togolese President Faure
Gnassingbé for his continued facilitation, as well as Angolan President João
Lourenço for earlier mediation efforts.
He further recognised the
contributions made by leaders of the East African Community and the Southern
African Development Community.
Youssouf urged all parties to fully
honour the terms of the agreement, saying its successful implementation could
lay the groundwork for reconciliation, cooperation and long-term peace in the
region.
He affirmed that the African Union
Commission is prepared to support the parties and regional bodies as they move
forward with the peace process for the benefit of the people of Rwanda, the DRC
and the wider Great Lakes region.
Earlier on, President William Ruto described the
Washington Accord as a hope to ending conflict in the region.
“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,” Ruto
said.
He thanked President Trump for his steadfast
commitment and decisive leadership in helping bring this historic agreement to
fruition.
Ruto also honoured 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.
The President urged all parties involved in the
peace deal to uphold its terms and adhere to its guidelines, for the sake of
the victims in the region.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting the ordeal, Ruto noted that 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.
He pointed out that a generation of children has been
stripped of its innocence, deprived of education, and denied the simple promise
of a stable childhood.
Additionally, the normal commercial activity and
cross-border trade- lifelines of regional prosperity- have been gravely
disrupted, stalling development and deepening hardship.
This prolonged suffering, Ruto said, 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.
