The first contingent had departed from eastern DRC on April 29, 2025, comprising 13 military vehicles and 57 accompanying soldiers.
The final group of SADC troops left Rubavu, located at the Rwanda-DRC border, on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m. This final phase involved vehicles transporting the remaining soldiers.
During this latest movement, IGIHE observed 15 vehicles carrying the troops as they departed.
[Related article: Additional SADC equipment withdrawn from Goma through Rwanda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/additional-sadc-equipment-withdrawn-from-goma-through-rwanda]
Describing the accord as a “glorious triumph” for peace, President Trump said the agreement marked the end of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts, which lasted three decades.
“The violence and destruction come to an end today, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope, opportunity, prosperity, and peace,” he said during the ceremony.
The peace deal was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe and his DRC counterpart Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. The event was presided over by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the diplomatic push alongside Senior Advisor for African Affairs Massad Boulos.
In his remarks, Trump stressed the importance of holding both nations accountable for implementing the terms of the agreement.
“You’re going to do what’s in the agreement… because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen,” he warned. “But I have a feeling that after 30 years, you’re all set.”
The agreement is the result of months of quiet diplomacy led by the U.S. State Department, with support from Qatar, the African Union, and the government of Togo.
Boulos, who led the U.S. mediation efforts, confirmed that the accord signed Friday was the final and binding version. He also hinted at further economic agreements and an upcoming Heads of State ceremonial summit at the White House, expected soon.
Under the new agreement, both countries have committed to the formation of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism to oversee the implementation of peace and stability measures. At the heart of this framework is a plan to neutralise the FDLR, a militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The DRC has committed to dismantling the FDLR and facilitating the safe return of refugees; in return, Rwanda will lift defensive measures at its border.
Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe thanked the Trump administration for its decisive involvement in mediating the agreement.
“This deal is the product of coordinated efforts from multiple actors,” he said, pointing to Qatar’s mediation and the African Union’s role, particularly under the leadership of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.
“The first order of business is to implement the concept of operations for the neutralization of the FDLR, accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Nduhungirehe explained.
“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias.”
At the same time, Minister Nduhungirehe noted that in the coming weeks, the focus will shift to ensuring the success of ongoing mediation between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel group in Qatar.
“We will lend our full support in the weeks ahead to Qatar’s mediation efforts, led by Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, to secure a peace agreement between the DRC government and the AFC/M23,” he said.
He also highlighted economic cooperation as a pillar of the new relationship, noting growing interest from American investors in sectors ranging from mining to energy.
“Shared growth and cross-border cooperation will unlock tangible dividends for both our countries,” he said.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, representing the DRC, echoed the sentiments. “This agreement affirms a shared responsibility to uphold sovereignty, human rights, and international law,” she said. “We, the DRC, will resolutely fight for this agreement to be respected, not with our words but with our deeds.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the agreement a critical step toward lasting stability, adding that it represents a strategic alignment of peace and prosperity in the region. He emphasised that U.S. engagement was motivated not just by diplomacy but by the shared interests in economic development, human rights, and long-term investment.
Boulos added that the U.S. is also negotiating a critical minerals agreement with the DRC and supporting infrastructure projects such as a $1.5 billion electric transmission line from Angola to the DRC. He noted a regional economic integration framework had also been finalised and would be signed at the White House later this year.
The signing comes amid Trump’s wider efforts to broker peace deals in other regions, including between Israel and Iran, and Pakistan and India.
The new agreement is not much different from several past ones that the DRC had previously refused to endorse during various negotiations. However, it introduces new elements such as economic cooperation on projects like the Ruzizi III hydropower plant, methane gas extraction in Lake Kivu, and others that had been agreed upon in previous years but faced delays.
When Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisor on African affairs, read the clauses of the agreement, he emphasised the principles of the joint action plan to eliminate the FDLR militia and lift defence measures along the border.
Those principles were first agreed upon on October 31, 2024, by the intelligence agencies of both Rwanda and the DRC. An analysis shows that these principles form the core of the agreement signed in the United States.
At the time of the initial agreement, the DRC had refused to sign, but this time it did. The question now is whether it will be implemented.
At the heart of the agreement was the understanding that both Rwanda and the DRC had responsibilities to fulfil to achieve peace on both sides.
The DRC was tasked with dismantling the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, facilitating the repatriation of its members to Rwanda, and ensuring peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
It was also asked to promote the voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons.
On its part, Rwanda was required to lift defensive measures along the border and reintegrate former FDLR combatants, a process the country has pursued for more than 25 years.
Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, prior to signing, stressed the importance of implementing those principles first.
“The first order of business is to begin implementing the concept of operations for the neutralisation of the FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated.
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Among the other provisions signed was a commitment by the DRC to support the ongoing negotiations between the DRC and the M23/AFC group, mediated by the State of Qatar. Both Rwanda and the DRC are expected to back these talks until they yield tangible outcomes.
For a long time, President Tshisekedi’s administration maintained that it would never engage in talks with the M23. However, eventually, negotiations have gained momentum in Qatar.
The DRC was also asked to support the peaceful, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin. This clause has long been rejected by the DRC government, which has often claimed that those Congolese who fled to Rwanda are not genuine Congolese nationals.
Rwanda currently hosts over 80,000 Congolese refugees. Over the years, agreements for their repatriation have been signed between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR, but the Kinshasa government has failed to uphold them.
The first such agreement was signed in 2010 in both Goma and Kigali. It stipulated that refugees were to be repatriated voluntarily, with both countries working to create conditions conducive to their return and reintegration.
The agreement also stated that no one shall be forcibly repatriated to a place where their safety and life may be at risk.
The fact that the DRC has now signed a clause it has long rejected is significant, especially because it also affects the M23 group, which has been fighting for years to defend the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, many of whom have been displaced and accused of being Rwandans.
When Donald Trump received the foreign ministers of both countries, he urged that the Washington Accord be fully implemented. He warned that failure to do so could have serious consequences.
“In the months and years ahead, my administration will continue to work closely with all of the parties in this deal and ensure the agreements are fully carried out. And you’re going to do what’s in the agreement. We’ll say, ‘You better do what’s in that agreement,’ right? Because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen,” he stated.
“But I have a feeling that after 30 years, you’re all set. I think both of you have said, ‘That’s enough,’ right? That’s enough. You’ve seen it all. So, this is a wonderful day,” he added.
Rwanda and the DRC were represented by their respective Foreign Ministers, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner at a signing ceremony witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Nduhungirehe, expressed sincere appreciation to President Donald Trump for his personal engagement in facilitating this historic agreement.
He also extended gratitude to the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Advisor Massad Boulos and the entire State Department team.
“Your dedication has been indispensable. This agreement is the product of a mass of coordinated efforts by multiple actors.”
Minister Nduhungire also acknowledged other key players for contribution that led to this milestone, including the State of Qatar, which played a crucial role.
“Indeed the opening which led to today’s agreement began in Doha. We will lend our full support in the weeks ahead to Qatar’s mediation efforts led by Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi to secure a peace agreement between the DRC government and the AFC M23.”
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister also emphasized that the signed deal builds on African-led peace initiatives, led by the African Union Facilitator, President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, and highlighted the key components of the agreement.
According to Amb. Nduhungirehe, the heart of this peace agreement is the decision to establish a standing Joint Security Coordination Mechanism between Rwanda and the DRC.
“The first order of business is to begin implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralization of FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.
“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region,” he noted.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister also highlighted other advantages of the agreement, including commitments to facilitate the return of refugees and enhance economic cooperation.
“With this agreement, we also committed to facilitate the return of refugees in our respective territories, with the support of UNHCR. Creating the conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees is vital to achieving lasting peace.
“We also look to enhanced economic cooperation, including with American companies and investors. Shared growth and cross border cooperation will unlock tangible dividends for both our countries,” he stated.
Minister Nduhungirehe concluded his remarks expressing optimism about the success of the deal and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment.
“With the continued support of the United States and other partners, we believe that a turning point has been reached. Rwanda stands ready to work with the DRC to deliver on our joint commitments.”
Wagner said the agreement marked a turning point from the April Declaration of Principles to a concrete plan for peace.
She said it affirms a shared responsibility to uphold sovereignty, human rights, and international law, and emphasized the urgency of translating the deal into action on the ground.
“We, the DRC, will certainly and resolutely fight for this agreement to be respected — not with our words but with our deeds,” she said.
The signed deal follows years of strained relations between Kigali and Kinshasa, stemming from reciprocal accusations.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which controls large swathes of eastern DRC, including key cities like Bukavu and Goma, an allegation Rwanda vehemently denies.
Instead, Rwanda accuses the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, a terrorist group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and urges the country to resolve its internal issues without dragging Rwanda into its affairs.
In his address, U.S. Secretart of State Marco Rubio underscored the significance of the moment, noting that after three decades of conflict in eastern DRC, this agreement represents a critical step toward lasting stability, with President Trump’s administration deeply committed to prioritizing peace as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Department of State, the African Union, and Qatar, emphasizing the pivotal role of U.S. envoy Massad Boulos in driving the negotiations forward.
Rubio further elaborated that the agreement is not solely about ending hostilities but about creating opportunities for people to thrive, fostering hopes for economic growth, cross-border cooperation, and family reunification, which he described as essential for a meaningful and prosperous life.
He expressed optimism about the deal’s potential to unlock the region’s economic potential, particularly through partnerships with American businesses, while acknowledging that challenges remain in ensuring its effective implementation.
[Related article: Rwanda and DRC initial text for peace agreement->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-and-drc-initial-text-for-peace-agreement]
The incident occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Kiruhura Village, Kagarama Cell, Musha Sector. The area where the victims were mining is typically used for farming by a cooperative of 700 local farmers.
Among the deceased were a man and a woman who had a four-month-old baby, according to their neighbors. The neighbors reported that they had warned the couple not to enter the area due to the soft and unstable soil.
Jean Claude Rwagasana, the Executive Secretary of Musha Sector, confirmed that the victims were illegally mining when the collapse occurred.
He stated, “There is an area where Trinity Metals does not operate, but the land belongs to the company. The community uses it for farming, including growing maize. Some individuals hide in the maize fields and engage in illegal mining. They went there in the morning without proper knowledge or experience, and the loose soil caused the collapse, killing two of them. One survived.”
Rwagasana further explained that, in collaboration with security authorities, they have been advising the public to avoid illegal mining due to the risks it poses to life.
He emphasized that Trinity Metals, the licensed mining company, offers daily employment opportunities for those interested in legal work. He urged people to seek professional mining jobs instead of resorting to illegal activities.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Rwamagana Hospital for autopsy before being laid to rest.
Rwanda is home to more than 100 islands spread across 40 lakes, holding a combined water volume of 225.1 billion cubic meters, which accounts for 99.96% of the country’s total water reserves, with the remaining 0.04% stored in artificial lakes. By 2028, Rwanda plans to establish a National Island Park to fully harness this natural wealth.
Investors have recognized Rwanda’s lakes as prime opportunities, with figures from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicating that, over the past five years, investments amounting to $106 million have been made to develop tourism around these lakes.
One such early investor is Donatien Murenzi, who saw the potential of Lake Muhazi and established the Muhazi Beach Resort, located approximately 50 kilometers east of Kigali, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
IGIHE visited this entrepreneur to highlight the ongoing investments made by Rwandans living in the country and in the Diaspora.
Muhazi is a lake covering an area of 33 square kilometers, with a length of 60 kilometers from its eastern to its western side, and a width of up to three kilometers.
The resort, which began operations in 2003, sits on a seven-hectare plot in Kabale, Rwamagana District, in Muhazi Sector, just four kilometers from the main Rwamagana-Kayonza-Kigali road. The resort features 63 rooms and is beautifully positioned along the shores of Lake Muhazi.
From a distance, Muhazi Beach Resort appears as though it’s perched on an island due to its hillside location. It borders areas such as Murambi w’Inyambo, Gakoni, and Kavumu, with hills extending to the lake’s edge.
In addition to its accommodation, the resort boasts conference facilities that can host up to 600 people. The lush garden, nestled near the lake, remains cool even in the summer.
The gardens are adorned with a variety of trees, which not only beautify the surroundings but also attract many bird species, adding to the serene atmosphere, especially at sunset.
The resort also features recreational facilities for children and boat tours on the lake.
With its fresh air, stunning landscape, and a peaceful environment far from the pollution of urban centers, Muhazi Beach Resort offers an ideal location for sports and relaxation. The resort also attracts photographers who appreciate the breathtaking views at sunset.
While today it is known as Muhazi Beach Resort, the area has historical significance as a place that once hosted prominent leaders. After its acquisition by Murenzi in 2003, it became part of his mission to contribute to Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery.
The resort is an excellent destination for family vacations, weekend getaways, weddings, and other social events.
The resort offers three types of rooms: one for families of more than two people with two bedrooms, a living room, and essential amenities for $100 per night; another for couples at $50 per night; and a single-room option at $50. Special discounts of up to 30% are offered for Rwandans living abroad and senior citizens.
Another standout feature of Muhazi Beach Resort is its excellent cuisine. The resort grows its own vegetables and fruits, and guests can also request freshly caught fish prepared upon order. The resort is equipped with large spaces for weddings and events, either along the lakeside or in spacious, purpose-built halls.
Muhazi Beach Resort is a popular stop for tourists heading to Akagera National Park, as well as travelers going to Tanzania and Uganda. The resort provides employment opportunities for graduates in hospitality and tourism, offering hands-on training and career development.
Murenzi has plans to further elevate the resort’s status by working with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to increase its star rating, while also focusing on creating more opportunities for the youth in the hospitality sector.
Gasana was arrested in Oslo in October 2022 after an extensive investigation by the Norwegian Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos).
In September 2023, the Oslo Court ruled that he should be sent to Rwanda, though Gasana appealed the decision. In April 2024, the appellate court upheld the ruling for extradition.
Gasana appealed once again to the Supreme Court in June 2024, but the court maintained the ruling to send him to Rwanda. This decision was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Justice in February 2025 and by the Cabinet.
On June 27, 2025, police attorney Thea Elize Kjaeraas, confirmed that Gasana’s extradition to Rwanda is now set to proceed.
“The accused is now to be extradited to Rwanda, where he will stand trial for participating in the genocide,” Kjaeraas said in a statement.
The Norwegian government explained that the extradition is part of its commitment to honoring international agreements, including those under the United Nations, aimed at preventing genocide.
This operation began on April 29, 2025, following a decision by the Heads of State of SADC on March 13 to conclude their mission in the region.
Late on Thursday, June 26, 2025, a long convoy of trucks was observed on the Rubavu-Musanze-Kigali road, transporting SAMIDRC equipment that had previously been used in the fight against the AFC/M23 alliance.
A total of 64 trucks, divided into two groups, were used for the transfer. The first convoy departed from Rugerero Sector at 8 p.m., while the second convoy left at 9:30 p.m. It is reported that 25 soldiers accompanied the convoys.
The additional batch follows the recent repatriation of 461 soldiers deployed under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), who returned home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, passing through Rwanda.
The troops included 317 soldiers from South Africa and 144 from Malawi. They traveled in 11 RITCO buses, escorted by Rwandan security personnel.
[Related article: Over 400 SAMIDRC troops withdraw from Goma, transit through Rwanda (Photos)->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/over-400-samidrc-troops-withdraw-from-goma-transit-through-rwanda-photos]
In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Araghchi said the possibility of restarting talks was under consideration but would depend on whether Tehran’s national interests were protected.
“Our decisions will be based solely on Iran’s interests,” he said. “If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreement or promise has been made and no talks have taken place.”
Araghchi accused Washington of betraying Iran during previous rounds of negotiations on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting U.S. sanctions.
The Iranian diplomat also confirmed that a law suspending cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog had become binding after being passed by parliament and approved by the Guardian Council, a top constitutional oversight body.
“The law is now obligatory and will be implemented. Our cooperation with the IAEA will take a new shape,” he said.
Araghchi also said the damage caused by the 12-day war with Israel was “serious” and that experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran were conducting a detailed assessment. He said the question of demanding reparations was high on the government’s agenda.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The attacks came just days before Iran and the United States were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.
In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday.
The 12-day conflict ended with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday.
The initiative aimed to improve the residents’ health by bringing much-needed healthcare services to the community.
The outreach included screening and treatment for a variety of illnesses. Community members were tested and treated for malaria. In addition to general healthcare, the team conducted hepatitis screening and treated eye conditions, offering support to individuals suffering from vision-related issues.
Speaking at the event, Col Leodomir Uwizeyimana, Rwanbatt3 Contingent Commander who represented the Rwandan contingents in UNMISS, commended the collaborative spirit between the peacekeepers and the local community, stating: “This outreach reflects our commitment not only to peace and security, but also to the well-being of the people we serve. Health is the foundation of lasting peace.”
Laat Gatluak, Chief of Amadi Village, applauded the positive relationship between the Rwandan peacekeepers and the local community, particularly highlighting their support for various community service initiatives.
