President William Ruto witnessed the historic signing of a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in Washington, D.C., on December 4, 2025. The U.S President Donald Trump invited Ruto to be part of the high-level event as Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame put ink to paper to mark the end of a protracted conflict that has ravaged the East African country for decades. In his speech, Ruto highlighted the journey towards finding a lasting solution in Eastern DRC. He also noted how the region would benefit from a sustainable peace deal. Here is his full address:
“Our host, His Excellency Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, Excellencies, Fellow Heads of State, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s signing of the peace accord for the eastern DRC is not merely a monumental diplomatic milestone; it is a decisive act to end a devastating conflict that has scarred the region for decades.
This conflict has destroyed livelihoods, destabilised our region, and threatened the future of the entire Great Lakes Region and the entire African continent.
Quest for DRC deal
Today’s achievement culminates a relentless regional effort. The coordinated Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington Processes created the essential pathway that brings us to this pivotal moment. We would like to extend our gratitude to President Tshisekedi and President Kagame for their leadership during these processes.
Reaching this point was made possible by the unparalleled and consequential convening power of the United States and President Trump’s resolute and focused commitment to global peace. His clarity of purpose and ability to rally stakeholders have been pivotal.
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We therefore extend our profound gratitude to President Trump, whose bold leadership has been instrumental in delivering this breakthrough.
Our presence here is a testament to our collective resolve. We will spare no effort to ensure this agreement is fully realised, mobilising every resource and partner to secure peace and unlock the region’s immense economic promise.
The protracted conflicts on our continent continue to hold Africa back. Our current 3% share of global trade is stark evidence of how far we remain from our potential.
A peaceful eastern DRC can unlock one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities. Our vast resources and youthful talent, connected through regional infrastructure and the African Continental Free Trade Area, can ignite an unprecedented transformation.
This Forum underscores a vital truth, that governments alone cannot unlock our economies. Our duty is to establish predictable frameworks, security, and stable markets. Upon this foundation, the private sector can deploy capital and innovation to build lasting prosperity.
In Kenya, we have embraced this model to finance ambitious infrastructure. Our investment portfolio, which requires nearly $40 billion, demands innovation and private capital, as traditional public borrowing cannot sustain such scale.
We are already proving what is possible. Public-private partnerships are delivering major highways, and independent power producers have enabled Kenya to generate over 92% of its electricity from renewables, leading the continent in green energy.
National Infrastructure Fund
To deepen this progress, we are establishing a National Infrastructure Fund to mobilise local, institutional and private capital and attract global investors with transparency and sustainability at its core.
A peaceful and integrated Great Lakes Region will accelerate such innovation. Predictable governance reduces risk, harmonised regulation lowers costs, and open borders increase trade, attracting value-added industries to our continent.
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For too long, Africa has exported raw materials only to import refined products at great cost. Our Regional Economic Integration Framework is a historic chance to reverse this—to build value chains in minerals, manufacturing, and agri-processing, creating jobs and retaining wealth in the region.
The Great Lakes Region stands at the threshold of a new era. Peace will open the door. Integration will guide us through it, and private sector dynamism will propel us forward.
In conclusion, as we celebrate progress in the DRC, we must not look away from other crises. We ask President Trump, in his quest for global peace and solidarity, to support efforts to resolve the unfolding human catastrophe in Sudan. Thank you.”
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