Kenyan President William Ruto has praised the Washington Accord signed on Thursday as the most credible path to ending three decades of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging all parties to implement the agreement despite fresh fighting on the ground.
Historic signing in Washington
The accord was signed at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda President Paul Kagame in the presence of United States President Donald Trump.
“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 in a statement on Friday.
Trump hailed for decisive leadership
Ruto, who attended the ceremony as chair of the East African Community (EAC), thanked Trump for his “steadfast commitment and decisive leadership” in bringing the deal to fruition. He also recognised the invaluable role played by the EAC, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other mediators.
Trump described the occasion as “a great day for Africa and the world”, expressing full confidence in both leaders. “We’ll keep these commitments. I know they’re going to keep them,” he said.
Conflict has caused immense suffering
The Kenyan leader highlighted the heavy human cost of the war, saying it “has endured far beyond what humanity can reasonably bear”. Countless lives have been lost, families displaced, children denied education and cross-border trade crippled.
“This prolonged suffering is a profound injustice to the people of eastern DRC, who deserve lasting stability,” Ruto added. He called on all parties to faithfully implement the accord so residents can return home and rebuild their lives.
Fighting continues despite ceasefire claims
The agreement comes after months of escalation in North Kivu province, where the M23 rebel group – widely accused of receiving Rwandan support, a charge Kigali denies – seized large areas earlier this year. Just days before the Washington summit, DRC forces and M23 traded accusations of ceasefire violations.
The roots of the crisis date back to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, when Hutu militias fled into then-Zaire, triggering decades of cross-border tensions and the emergence of more than 120 armed groups.
Cautious optimism and lingering doubts
Reactions have been cautiously positive. United States lawmakers welcomed the deal but stressed the importance of implementation. On social media platforms, many described it as historic and African-led, though sceptics noted the non-binding nature of the accord and continued clashes.
Kenya, which has troops deployed under the EAC regional force in DRC, reaffirmed commitment to regional stability.
Ruto appeals for Sudan intervention
While celebrating progress in DRC, Ruto urged Trump not to overlook other crises. “As we mark this milestone, we ask President Trump to support efforts to resolve the unfolding human catastrophe in Sudan,” he said, referring to the civil war that has raged for over two years.
The Washington Accord builds on earlier frameworks but faces immediate tests, with troop withdrawals and disarmament seen as critical next steps. For millions in eastern DRC, the deal offers rare hope that lasting peace may finally be within reach.
