The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, stated that the peace agreement his country signed with Rwanda in Washington is a hopeful step toward resolving the problems in the eastern part of the country.
Tshisekedi made the remarks in a speech delivered to the Congolese people on Monday, June 30, 2025, during the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the country’s independence, saying this year’s anniversary was celebrated with good reason.
He said that the celebrations coincided with the agreement signed in Washington, United States of America, on Friday of the previous week.
He said: “This agreement is not just a document, but a sign of hope for peace for the people of Goma, Bukavu, Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, Lubero, Ituri, and all the other regions that have long suffered from conflict.”
Tshisekedi, who previously accused Rwanda of various allegations, this time refrained from such claims and stated that the agreement is “an encouraging step toward putting an end to the conflicts that have plagued the eastern part of our country for 30 years, causing the deaths of millions and forcing others to flee.”
According to Tshisekedi, the agreement “brings a new atmosphere of calm, cooperation, and development for our country, the Great Lakes region, and the entire continent.”
At different times in the past, Tshisekedi had firmly declared that as long as he remained in power, he would never engage in dialogue with the M23 rebel group. Yet currently, negotiations are actively underway in Doha, Qatar.
In this particular speech, Tshisekedi did not delve into the details of those talks but mentioned that there are established diplomatic channels, saying: “There are well-rooted diplomatic paths in the ongoing talks in Doha, Qatar,” and that his country prioritizes the restoration of full authority in the hands of the state.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo also assured Congolese citizens that justice will be served for those affected by the war in the eastern part of the country, emphasizing that those responsible will be held accountable.
Corneille Nangaa, the coordinator of the AFC/M23 coalition, also spoke to more than 11 million Congolese living in the 34,000 square kilometers under the coalition’s control. He too addressed the Rwanda-DRC agreement, stating that although it is “a half-step, it gives hope.”
RADIOTV10
