Kenya’s President William Ruto speaking in Washington, DC, during the signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on December 4, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Kenya’s President William Ruto has described the signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda as a “decisive act” that ends decades of conflict and unlocks immense economic promise for the African continent. The deal was signed in Washington, D.C., during a ceremony hosted by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
In his address, President Ruto termed the agreement “a monumental diplomatic milestone” that concludes years of devastation in eastern DRC, where conflict has displaced communities, undermined regional stability, and crippled economic progress.
He praised the Nairobi, Luanda and Washington peace processes for providing the framework that delivered the breakthrough, extending gratitude to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame for their leadership throughout the negotiations.
Ruto also lauded President Trump for what he called “bold leadership” and an unwavering commitment to global peace, noting that the United States’ involvement was instrumental in rallying all parties toward resolution.
The Kenyan leader emphasized that the region must now marshal all its resources to implement the agreement fully and transform the Great Lakes Region into a hub of peace and economic vitality. Africa’s prolonged conflict cycles, he noted, have contributed to the continent’s meagre 3% share of global trade—a statistic he described as stark proof of untapped potential.
A peaceful eastern Congo, he said, could unlock “one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities,” particularly when linked to regional infrastructure, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and a youthful population brimming with talent.
Ruto used Kenya’s own development model as an example of how peace, stability and predictable governance can attract private investment. He highlighted public-private partnerships that have expanded renewable energy—now at over 92%—and financed major national infrastructure projects. Kenya is also setting up a National Infrastructure Fund to mobilise local and global investments with transparency at its core.
He reiterated that regional integration remains essential to reversing Africa’s legacy of exporting raw materials only to buy back costly refined products. With peace as the foundation, the Great Lakes Region has a historic opportunity to build value chains in minerals, industry, and agri-processing.
The President urged the international community not to ignore other ongoing crises, appealing to President Trump to support efforts to end the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.
