US, DRC, Rwanda Joint Statement on Washington Accords

State Dept Press Releases

Published March 18th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The United States, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Rwanda issued a joint statement on March 18, 2026, outlining concrete steps to advance the Washington Accords. The statement details mutual commitments to de-escalate tensions, support sovereignty, disengage forces, and neutralize threats.

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What changed

The governments of the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Rwanda have issued a joint statement detailing progress on the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. The statement, released on March 18, 2026, outlines specific measures agreed upon by the DRC and Rwanda during meetings in Washington D.C. on March 17-18, 2026. These measures include mutual commitments to support each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Rwanda's disengagement of forces in defined areas of DRC territory, intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR, and the protection of all civilians.

This joint statement serves as a non-binding notice of diplomatic progress and reaffirmation of commitments. No immediate compliance actions are required for regulated entities. The focus is on the diplomatic and security commitments between the signatory nations to foster peace and stability in the region. Compliance officers should note this as an update on international relations concerning conflict resolution.

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Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases … Joint Statement by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda on Advancing the Washington Accords hide

Joint Statement by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda on Advancing the Washington Accords

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

March 18, 2026

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda.

Begin text:

On March 17-18, 2026, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda met in Washington, D.C. and agreed to concrete steps to further implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.

The DRC and Rwanda agreed to a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground. These efforts include a mutual commitment to specific measures to support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the scheduled disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda in defined areas in DRC territory, time-bound and intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR, and the protection of all civilians.

The DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitments under the Washington Accords to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the region.

End text.