KIGALI, Dec. 12 — Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Thursday reaffirmed Rwanda’s full commitment to the recently signed Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, emphasizing that lasting peace depends on all parties honoring their obligations.
He made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of newly appointed ministers at Rwanda’s parliamentary building in Kigali.
Noting that Rwanda’s challenges stem largely from regional dynamics, particularly long-standing issues rooted in neighboring countries, Kagame stressed that no nation desires peace more than Rwanda, given its painful history.
“We know very well what the absence of peace means, because we have lived through long periods without it.
We know what we lost, including the lives of our people,” he said.
He also rejected narratives holding Rwanda responsible for ongoing tensions following the peace deal. Kagame’s remarks follow last week’s signing of the Washington peace deal between him and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi.
The U.S.-brokered agreement aims to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC while facilitating U.S. access to critical minerals in the region.
Eastern DRC has suffered years of instability, exacerbated since late 2021 by the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied.
Earlier in June, the foreign ministers of both countries signed a separate peace agreement in Washington. (Namibia Daily News/Xinhua)
