Rwanda has outlined the qualities it believes are necessary for any international actor seeking to help resolve the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, arguing that sustainable peace can only emerge through mediation that is impartial, credible, and trusted by all sides involved.
The position was presented by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, held at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali on June 4, 2026.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, and development partners, Nduhungirehe reflected on the long-standing partnership between Rwanda and the United States, describing it as a relationship that has delivered tangible benefits in health, trade, investment, innovation, and security cooperation.
According to the minister, the anniversary comes as the two countries also mark 64 years of diplomatic relations, a partnership that has continued to expand in both scope and impact.
Economic cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of that relationship. American companies continue to invest in Rwanda, including in the mining sector, which has become increasingly important to the country’s export strategy.
Nduhungirehe highlighted the activities of Trinity Metals, an American-linked mining company operating in Rwanda’s tungsten sector. Rwanda is among the world’s leading producers of tungsten, and recent exports to the United States were presented as an example of growing commercial ties between the two nations.
Beyond economics, however, the central focus of the minister’s remarks was the role of the United States in ongoing efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region.
Washington has been involved in facilitating dialogue between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, efforts that culminated in the signing of a peace and economic cooperation framework in December 2025.
Rwanda believes that such diplomatic engagement can contribute significantly to regional stability, provided that mediation remains balanced and avoids favoring any party.
For Kigali, neutrality is not simply a diplomatic principle but a practical requirement for building trust and achieving durable outcomes. Rwandan officials argue that only a mediator perceived as fair by all stakeholders can successfully guide negotiations toward lasting peace.
The Washington framework contains several provisions aimed at addressing the security concerns that have fueled tensions between the two neighbors. Among them is a commitment to dismantle the FDLR, a group Rwanda considers a major security threat. The agreement also includes discussions on refugee return mechanisms and confidence-building measures.
In addition to security matters, the framework places strong emphasis on economic integration as a pathway to peace.
One of the flagship projects highlighted under the agreement is the Rusizi III hydropower project, expected to generate 206 megawatts of electricity and benefit hundreds of thousands of people across the region once completed.
The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in mineral processing, moving beyond raw extraction toward value addition. Supporters of the initiative argue that processing minerals locally could create jobs, increase revenues, and reduce competition-driven tensions surrounding natural resources.
Energy cooperation forms another major component of the framework. Rwanda and DR Congo plan to collaborate in the development of methane gas resources from Lake Kivu, with the goal of expanding electricity production and supporting economic growth.
Rwandan authorities maintain that economic interdependence can help reduce the likelihood of future conflict by creating shared interests and mutual benefits. In their view, development and security should not be treated as separate issues but as interconnected elements of a broader peace strategy.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Rwanda’s message remains clear: peace in eastern DR Congo will require not only agreements on paper, but also a mediator capable of maintaining neutrality, fostering trust, and ensuring that commitments made by all parties are implemented fairly. Such an approach, Kigali believes, offers the best chance of delivering long-term stability for the wider Great Lakes region.
