WASHINGTON, D.C. The White House is set to host a pivotal diplomatic event today, as U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi for the signing of a new peace and economic cooperation accord.
President Kagame arrived in Washington earlier in the day, ahead of the ceremony that U.S. officials describe as one of the most consequential diplomatic initiatives brokered by the current administration.
High-Level Welcome Ceremony
The official program begins at 10:00 a.m. (EST) — 5:00 p.m. in Kigali — with a private reception for the visiting heads of state. President Trump, joined by senior members of his administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will greet Kagame and Tshisekedi inside the White House.
According to U.S. officials, the warm reception is meant to underscore Washington’s commitment to easing tensions and strengthening cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
Signing of the Washington Accord
From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EST), the three leaders will gather in the East Room for the public signing of what is being referred to as the Washington Accord. The event will be livestreamed to global audiences.
The agreement outlines several key commitments:
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A ceasefire between involved parties
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The disarmament of armed groups operating in eastern DRC
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New guarantees for humanitarian access
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Expanded economic cooperation, including coordinated mineral extraction and the development of large-scale infrastructure projects with U.S. partners
President Trump is expected to highlight Washington’s role in mediating the negotiations, while Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi will deliver brief remarks after the signing.
Closed-Door Working Lunch
Following the ceremony, the leaders will move to the State Dining Room for a private working lunch scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EST).
Discussions are expected to focus on:
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The implementation timeline for the agreement, particularly the first 90 days
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The establishment of monitoring structures, which may involve observers from the U.S. or Qatar
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Economic incentives linked to American investment in DRC’s mineral sector — especially cobalt, coltan, and other strategic resources
Sources indicate that Kenyan President William Ruto may join the session in his capacity as a regional guarantor.
Press Briefing and Departure
The day’s program concludes with a joint media appearance from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EST), where the three leaders will take questions alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The press session will be followed by official photographs before the delegations proceed to additional engagements.
A Significant Step for Regional Stability
U.S. officials say the meetings represent the most substantial diplomatic engagement between Rwanda and the DRC facilitated by Washington in recent years. The White House hopes the new accord will serve as a foundation for long-term stability, improved bilateral relations, and enhanced economic cooperation throughout the region.
