WASHINGTON, U.S.A. – President William Ruto has exuded confidence that the signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda will bear fruit.
The historic deal signed between President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., was witnessed by the Kenyan leader and their host, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America.
“Today’s signing of the peace accord for the eastern DRC is not merely a monumental diplomatic milestone; it is a decisive act to end a devastating conflict that has scarred the region for decades. This conflict has destroyed livelihoods and destabilised our region and the future of the entire Great Lakes Region and the entire African continent,” said President Ruto.
The achievement, President Ruto, who chairs the East African Community (EAC) Summit, said, culminates a relentless regional effort.
“The coordinated Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington Processes created the essential pathway that brings us to this pivotal moment. We would like to extend our gratitude to President Tshisekedi and President Kagame for their leadership during these processes,” he added.
The Kenyan leader observed that reaching the point of signing the peace deal was made possible by the unparalleled and consequential convening power of the United States and President Trump’s resolute and focused commitment to global peace.
“His clarity of purpose and ability to rally stakeholders have been pivotal. We therefore extend our profound gratitude to President Trump, whose bold leadership has been instrumental in delivering this breakthrough,” President Ruto said.
“Our presence here is a testament to our collective resolve. We will spare no effort to ensure this agreement is fully realised, mobilising every resource and partner to secure peace and unlock the region’s immense economic promise.”
How the African continent can easily be transformed
According to President Ruto, the protracted conflicts on the continent continue to hold Africa back.
He reiterated that Africa’s current 3% share of global trade is stark evidence of how far the continent remains from its potential.
“A peaceful eastern DRC can unlock one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities. Our vast resources and youthful talent, connected through regional infrastructure and the African Continental Free Trade Area, can ignite an unprecedented transformation,” the head of state further said.
President Ruto conceded that the U.S. Forum underscores a vital truth: that governments alone cannot unlock our economies.
“Our duty is to establish predictable frameworks, security, and stable markets. Upon this foundation, the private sector can deploy capital and innovation to build lasting prosperity. In Kenya, we have embraced this model to finance ambitious infrastructure. Our investment portfolio, which requires nearly $40 billion, demands innovation and private capital, as traditional public borrowing cannot sustain such scale.”
Why the Great Lakes Region stands at the threshold of a new era
President Ruto also said that a peaceful and integrated Great Lakes Region will accelerate such innovation. Predictable governance reduces risk, harmonised regulation lowers costs, and open borders increase trade, attracting value-added industries to our continent.
For too long, the Kenyan leader added, Africa has exported raw materials only to import refined products at great cost.
“Our Regional Economic Integration Framework is a historic chance to reverse this—to build value chains in minerals, manufacturing, and agri-processing, creating jobs and retaining wealth in the region. The Great Lakes Region stands at the threshold of a new era. Peace will open the door. Integration will guide us through it, and private sector dynamism will propel us forward,” he said.
President Ruto indicated that in celebrating progress in the DRC, there is a need not to look away from other crises.
“We ask President Trump, in his quest for global peace and solidarity, to support efforts to resolve the unfolding human catastrophe in Sudan,” President Ruto appealed to his U.S. counterpart.
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