Rwanda Ready to Lift Defensive Measures if DRC Meets Peace Accord Commitments, President Kagame Says
Paul Kagame has said Rwanda is prepared to lift its defensive measures if the Democratic Republic of the Congo fulfills its obligations under the Washington Peace Accords.
The Rwandan leader made the remarks on Friday evening, March 6, during a diplomatic dinner with members of the diplomatic corps in Kigali.
Kagame’s statement comes amid growing diplomatic tensions following sanctions announced on March 3 against the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and visa restrictions unveiled on March 6 targeting several senior Rwandan officials. The measures were imposed by the United States Department of State, which accuses the officials of contributing to instability in eastern Congo.
Responding to the developments, Rwanda’s government spokesperson described the sanctions as “one-sided.”
While not naming specific countries directly, Kagame suggested that expectations surrounding the peace agreement have been unevenly applied. The accord involves three parties: Rwanda, the DRC and the United States.
“To have three parties to this process and expect only one to fulfil its side of obligations, I am not sure what we should expect from that,” Kagame said.
He emphasised that full implementation of the agreement could bring lasting security and economic opportunities to the region.
“If fully implemented, this agreement will provide all parties the security that they need and deserve and lay the groundwork for mutually beneficial economic cooperation,” he added.
The Washington Peace Accords were brokered by Donald Trump and signed by the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on December 4, 2025. The agreement aims to end years of conflict and insecurity that have plagued eastern Congo and affected stability across the Great Lakes region.
