For Immediate Release
December 4, 2025
Contact: Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager
202-817-3670; lydia@afjn.org
Africa Faith and Justice Network Welcomes the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the Republic of Rwanda Peace Agreement, Urges Caution and Vigilance
Washington, DC – Today, leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda are in Washington, DC to symbolically sign a peace agreement. While this is a positive move to end one of Africa’s oldest conflicts which began in 1996, there are concerns including: the persistent hostilities on the ground, internal political divisions, and the historic regional instability driven by economic interests.
“We are cautiously optimistic about this agreement, recognizing the complexities and challenges that lie ahead,” said Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN). “Our concern is that the agreement lacks strong enforceable mechanisms to effectively ensure the demilitarization of armed groups and their allies, as well as the delivery of justice for victims.”
The nearly three-decade-long conflict is a humanitarian catastrophe resulting in an estimated 6 million deaths, displacing millions of people, and leaving countless communities ravaged by violence, hunger and disease.
“A more sustainable path to peace is people-centered because it leverages the strength and resilience of the people like in AFJN’s ‘Unity through Diversity,’ a DRC Musicians for Peace, initiative” notes Dr. Rogers.
In the agreement and noted during today’s press briefing, the United States has committed to purchase minerals directly from legitimate owners rather than through illicit supply chains that have long financed armed groups.
“Trade is a pillar of peace – if it is responsible – by strengthening communities, respecting local ownership, and removing profit incentives for armed actors. AFJN applauds the US’s commitment and calls on other nations to follow by adopting transparent and ethical sourcing mechanisms” affirms Dr. Rogers. “The international community must ensure that its economic engagement contributes to stability, justice, and the well-being of all people.”
- Read Mr. Jacques Bahati’s “The DRC–Rwanda Peace Agreement: Promise on Paper, Questions on the Ground” article in Africa Faith and Justice Network
- Read the US Department of State’s June 27, 2025, “Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda”
- Read the Council on Foreign Relations “DRC and Rwanda Reach a Draft Peace Deal” article
- Read Raphael Paren’s “Conflict in Eastern Congo: A Spark Away from a Regional Conflagration” in Foreign Policy Research Institute
- Read the Council on Foreign Relations “Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo” background
- Read Jacques Bahati’s “AFJN Launches ‘Unity Through Diversity’ Peace Project in Eastern Congo” and “Music as a Catalyst for Peace: AFJN’s Impactful Unity through Diversity Program in the DRC” articles
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Available for Interview
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, AFJN Executive Director