Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to resume high-level peace talks in Washington as part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the conflict-prone Great Lakes region.
The talks will take place on January 22, 2026, during a session of the United States Congress, under the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Africa Subcommittee. Discussions will center on the implementation of the Washington Peace Accords, brokered by the United States under President Donald Trump.
The meeting follows the signing of a peace agreement between Kigali and Kinshasa on December 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The accord outlines three key pillars: respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs; a comprehensive ceasefire and the dismantling of armed groups destabilizing eastern DRC; and enhanced regional cooperation in trade, economic development and cross-border integration.
According to U.S. congressional briefings, the January session will assess progress made so far, identify implementation gaps, and clarify Washington’s role in monitoring and supporting the peace process.
Ms. Sarah Troutman, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, is expected to testify, offering the U.S. government’s assessment of the peace efforts and steps required to achieve a durable settlement.
The renewed engagement comes against the backdrop of long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly over insecurity in eastern Congo. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 armed group, allegations Kigali has consistently denied, saying its security posture is defensive in nature.
The talks also follow the recent withdrawal of AFC/M23 fighters from the eastern Congolese city of Uvira, which the group had captured in early December 2025, after complying with a request from international mediators.
Analysts say reconvening the two countries in Washington signals sustained international pressure to de-escalate the conflict and prevent a further deterioration of security in the region, where decades of violence have displaced millions and undermined economic development.
