Rwanda Senate Ratifies Peace Deal With Congo

The vote came after Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe urged lawmakers to approve the deal without committee review, citing urgency. The agreement outlines four main commitments: the disbandment of the FDLR militia, the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, expanded economic cooperation, political support for ongoing DRC–AFC/M23 talks, and facilitating refugee repatriation.

Nduhungirehe acknowledged concerns that Kinshasa may fail to meet its obligations, an issue Rwanda has raised with mediators. “If it is not implemented, it will be unfortunate, but Rwanda will continue to ensure its security. Defensive measures will remain in place until it is put into effect,” he told senators.

Sen. Cyitatire Sosthene called the deal a milestone for regional stability. “Without peace, there can be no development, and without development, sustainable peace cannot be achieved,” he said.

The United States, Qatar and the African Union helped broker the agreement. Senators also noted Rwanda’s record of honoring accords it signs, while expressing caution over the DRC’s history with past agreements.

The Senate’s approval follows the Chamber of Deputies’ unanimous vote on July 29. Implementation will require ratification by both nations’ legislatures before the accord takes effect.