International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Germany, issued a statement on the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed in Washington on 27 June 2025.

Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom as members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes welcome the signing in Washington DC on Friday 27 June 2025 of the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. We commend the DRC and Rwanda for taking an important step towards a peaceful resolution of the long-lasting conflict in the Great Lakes region. We also note the crucial role of the US facilitation of the process and congratulate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for this considerable achievement.

Given the longevity of the conflict the signatories now have a shared responsibility to secure a swift implementation of the agreement. 

In light of UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025), we particularly welcome the provisions in the Peace Agreement on respect for territorial integrity. We reiterate the ICG’s insistence on an immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties and all armed groups. The continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation on the ground is deeply concerning. The ICG calls on all parties to allow unhindered access for humanitarian actors as well as to ensure the necessary humanitarian space for their crucial work. Securing the dignified and safe return of those who because of conflict have been internally displaced or who have had to seek refuge in neighbouring countries is of paramount importance.

The ICG notes the importance attached in the agreement to the establishment of a regional economic integration framework. The ICG emphasizes the crucial role of regional economic integration to secure shared interests and build prosperity. The ICG remains committed to supporting the countries in the region in building regional economic integration on the basis of ambitious, transformative initiatives that are mutually beneficial to all and ensure a durable peace. 

The ICG continues to play an active role in the Great Lakes region and continues to support all ongoing efforts in favour of a swift and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Against this backdrop, the ICG reiterates its position voiced at the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region on 28 May 2025 in Entebbe, Uganda, that all efforts ultimately should lead to the revitalization the 2013 Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework and its full implementation.

We emphasize the importance of all ongoing initiatives aiming to secure peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region being closely coordinated. We take particular note of the efforts of H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, as mandated by the African Union. The work of the Government of Qatar in its mediation between the government of the DRC and the M23 is equally valuable. The ICG reminds the parties that in order to secure a sustainable peace all key stakeholders should be consulted. The active participation of local civil society organisations and concerned populations is necessary to ensure a long-lasting peace and avoid perceptions of centralised top-down peace processes. Finally, it is essential that the Parties facilitate and support MONUSCO’s capacity to implement its full mandate.