Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump on African Affairs, says the United States remains confident in President Paul Kagame’s commitment to advancing peace and development in the Great Lakes Region.
Boulos shared the remarks on November 2 following a meeting he held with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, in Paris, France. Their discussion focused on the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in June 2025.
“It was a pleasure meeting Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, for in-depth discussions aimed at promoting peace and development in the Great Lakes Region,” Boulos said in a statement. “We reviewed progress made regarding the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, including the execution of the document approved by military and intelligence representatives (CONOPS).”
He noted that they also discussed the ongoing Doha peace process, which is designed to complement the Washington agreement and facilitate negotiations between the DRC government and the AFC/M23.
“We further examined how regional cooperation programs on economic development contribute to lasting peace and stability, while supporting long-term development through trade, infrastructure, efficient mineral exploitation and processing, energy, and tourism,” Boulos added.
He said the United States continues to support regional efforts to end conflict and ensure sustainable development, stressing that progress depends on fully implementing the Washington accord.
“I reaffirmed that lasting peace and development in the region depend on the full and timely implementation of the Washington Agreement, and we rely on President Kagame’s continued commitment to achieving this objective.”
The Washington agreement outlines several key commitments, including addressing threats posed by the FDLR, respecting national sovereignty, ending support to armed groups, enabling disarmament and reintegration, strengthening oversight on border security, and advancing economic cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC.
In July 2025, Boulos also publicly reaffirmed Washington’s belief in Rwanda’s willingness to uphold the agreement and contribute to lasting stability in the region.
