Lawmakers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have begun formal scrutiny of the Washington Agreement signed with Rwanda, setting in motion a critical legislative process to ratify the landmark peace deal.
The agreement, brokered by the United States, was first signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with the aim of ending protracted conflict in eastern Congo and restoring regional stability.
It is accompanied by a broader economic cooperation framework between Kinshasa and Washington, signed on December 4, 2025, signaling a dual-track approach that combines peacebuilding with economic integration.
Opening the March parliamentary session on Monday, March 16, 2026, National Assembly Speaker Aimé Boji Sangara said the review process would prioritize national interests, stressing that lasting peace must be anchored in security, justice, and mutual respect for sovereignty.
He noted that the agreement is designed to put a definitive end to recurring insecurity in eastern DRC, a region long plagued by armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
Boji further emphasized Parliament’s constitutional mandate to rigorously examine the ratification bill submitted by the Prime Minister on March 7, 2026, assuring that lawmakers will ensure the deal serves the country’s strategic priorities.
He also pledged sustained parliamentary oversight to monitor the implementation of the agreement, safeguard civilian protection, and reinforce stability across the region.
The accord received high-level endorsement on December 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., under the facilitation of then U.S. President Donald Trump.
At the time, U.S. officials said the deal was intended to help bring an end to decades-long violence in eastern Congo while unlocking economic opportunities through strengthened regional and international partnerships.
According to the U.S. State Department, the agreement reinforces earlier commitments made in June 2025 and advances plans for deeper regional economic integration.
In parallel, the DRC and Rwanda signed additional arrangements aimed at expanding economic opportunities in the Great Lakes region, with a focus on boosting private sector participation, including from American investors.
Analysts view the ongoing parliamentary review as a decisive phase that could shape the future of peace, security, and economic cooperation in the Great Lakes region, as stakeholders look to translate diplomatic commitments into tangible outcomes on the ground.
