DRC/Rwanda: A decisive step toward regional economic integration under US mediation
In a major turning point for stability and development in the Great Lakes region, representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda initialed, on August 1, 2025, in Washington, the text of the Principles for a Regional Economic Integration Framework, in accordance with the peace agreement signed between the two countries on June 27. This signing, facilitated by the United States of America, marks a concrete step forward in the reconciliation and cooperation process between Kinshasa and Kigali.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, this cooperation framework provides for enhanced bilateral coordination in several key sectors:
- Energy: grid interconnection and shared use of hydro resources
- Infrastructure: development of cross-border road and rail networks
- Mining: joint oversight of mining activities to combat illicit trafficking
- National Parks: integrated management and biodiversity protection
- Tourism: creation of secure cross-border tourism circuits
- Public Health: coordinated epidemic response and strengthening of hospital capacities
This ambitious partnership aims to drive economic progress and improve living conditions for the populations of both countries, while promoting lasting peace. It comes in a regional context long marked by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and population displacement. The rapprochement between Kinshasa and Kigali therefore sends a strong message—not only to their citizens but to the entire region.
The U.S.-led mediation, praised by several observers, succeeded in establishing a climate of trust between the two parties, despite a turbulent recent past.
