Washington Accord offers real chance for long-term peace, says President Kagame
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame says the new Washington Accord offers a real chance for long-term peace, crediting Donald Trump’s mediation and urging African nations to protect the fragile gains.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has said the newly signed Washington Accord offers a real chance for long-term peace, noting that the region must take full responsibility to build on the progress made so far.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Thursday, December 4, President Kagame reflected on the long-running turmoil and the several attempts that failed to resolve the conflict's roots.
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Kagame praised the fresh direction of recent mediation efforts and underscored that Rwanda’s goal remains the safety and stability of its people after decades of conflict.
He said the new approach introduced by US President Donald Trump created room for progress that had been missing for years.
“This conflict has lasted for 30 years. We have seen countless mediation efforts, but none have succeeded in resolving the underlying issues. President Trump introduced a new and effective dynamism that created the space for breakthroughs. His approach is even-handed, never taking sides. More importantly, President Trump’s approach is pragmatic. The process has not become an end in itself,” Kagame said.
The Rwandan President added that the responsibility now lies mainly with African nations and their partners to protect the gains made through the accord.
US President Donald Trump, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC sign the Washington Accords at the Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace in Washington, D.C. (Photo: White House)
Kagame noted that the journey will not be smooth, but Rwanda is ready to do its part without hesitation.
“It is up to us, in Africa, working with our partners, to consolidate and expand this peace. There will be ups and downs on the road ahead; there is no doubt about it. Rwanda will not be found wanting. I assure you of that,” he said.
Kagame highlighted that Rwanda has endured immense suffering and is focused on securing a stable path forward. He stressed that the country seeks only a peaceful and predictable future after years of hardship.
“Our only objective is, and has always been, for our country to be safe and secure, after having endured so much tragedy. We now only want to look forward, in confident expectation of a prosperous and stable future,” he said.
Ahead of the US summit, clashes intensified in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo as government troops and M23 fighters engaged in fresh battles. Authorities in DR Congo accused the rebels, who they believe are supported by Rwanda, of trying to “sabotage” the peace efforts already underway.
But the M23 group rejected the claim, saying the army had attacked their positions and violated an existing ceasefire.
Earlier in the year, the M23 had taken control of large areas in the east, triggering deadly confrontations that left thousands dead and displaced many more from their homes.
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