Latest news with #ThérèseKayikwambaWagner
Saudi Gazette
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia welcomes signing of peace agreement between Rwanda and Congo
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Rwanda Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo, facilitated by the United States of America. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's hope that the agreement would fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the two peoples for development and prosperity, in addition to benefiting regional and international security and peace. The ministry commended the diplomatic efforts and constructive role played by the United States of America and Qatar in brokering the peace deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio presided over the signing of the peace agreement by Congo Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and her Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe in Washington on Friday.
Libyan Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
New agreement aims to ease Congo-Rwanda tensions
Congo and Rwanda sign US-brokered peace deal The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a US-brokered agreement aimed at easing long-standing tensions and fostering cooperation in eastern Congo, a region affected by decades of armed conflict and humanitarian crises. The accord was signed during a ceremony in Washington, with both governments pledging to support measures for regional stability and economic development. The agreement includes provisions affirming respect for territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, and a framework for the disengagement and disarmament of non-state armed groups. It also outlines steps toward the conditional reintegration of former combatants and improved coordination on cross-border security. As part of the agreement, the United States indicated it would work with both countries to support infrastructure development and facilitate responsible investment in eastern Congo's mineral sector, which holds global importance due to its reserves of cobalt, coltan, and other critical materials. Cautious optimism from both sides DR Congo's Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the document and described it as a foundation for future cooperation. Both officials acknowledged the complexity of the situation on the ground and the challenges of implementation. 'There is no quick solution to the suffering in the east, but this agreement reflects a shared recognition that regional peace is in everyone's interest,' said Wagner. Nduhungirehe added that strengthening bilateral dialogue and economic ties could help reduce tensions and promote stability. Concerns over armed group activity While the agreement is being welcomed as a diplomatic step forward, observers have noted that the situation in eastern DRC remains fragile. Over 100 armed groups operate in the region, including the M23 movement, which has advanced in recent months and taken control of key towns and mining zones. Although the M23 was a central subject in the talks, its leaders have so far not committed to the agreement, raising questions about how it will be enforced in areas outside direct government control. The conflict has led to the displacement of more than seven million people, according to UN estimates. Humanitarian agencies continue to report limited access to basic services and growing needs among displaced populations. International response and next steps US President Donald Trump described the agreement as a significant milestone in efforts to resolve what he called 'one of the world's most enduring conflicts.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the accord was 'an encouraging development' and confirmed that the US would remain engaged in supporting its implementation. The United Nations and regional organisations are expected to monitor developments closely. Analysts note that sustained political will, transparent follow-through, and inclusive dialogue—particularly with affected communities and non-state actors—will be essential to ensuring that the agreement leads to concrete outcomes.
The Hill
a day ago
- Business
- The Hill
DRC and Rwanda call for Trump to ‘stay committed' after peace deal
The top diplomats from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda urged President Trump to stay committed to enforcing a peace agreement between the two countries signed in Washington on Friday. Trump called the peace agreement, which aims to halt three decades of war, a 'tremendous breakthrough,' as the foreign ministers from DRC and Rwanda were more cautious. 'Stay committed. Stay on board. We need the United States to make sure that this agreement holds and that you hold us accountable,' DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner said to Trump, during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. That was echoed by Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. 'So for this economic integration framework to be implemented, it's important for the U.S. to accompany the parties to implement what we have signed, because in the past, [the parties] have signed so many agreements that were not implemented, and we are ready,' he said. Trump is expected to host the leaders of DRC and Rwanda for a formal signing of the peace agreement in July. He invited Angola's president to attend as well. Trump said he would apply 'a lot of pressure' if the parties did not enforce what is being called the Washington Accord. 'I would just say that there are big penalties if they violate, and they're not going to, I don't think they will violate, but we have very severe penalties, financial and otherwise,' Trump said. The ongoing violence, concentrated in the eastern DRC, involves multiple armed groups. The most powerful, the M23, is backed by Rwanda. Qatar is mediating further talks with M23. U.S. involvement in peace efforts began earlier this year, when the DRC saw an opportunity to entice American mediation in exchange for access to the country's rich stores of critical minerals, used for much of the world's technology. Massad Boulous, Trump's senior advisor for Africa and father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany, told reporters that the U.S. was working on mineral agreements with both the DRC and Rwanda. 'We're negotiating a minerals deal with the DRC for critical minerals. Many American companies have shown interest in investing in the DRC,' he said. 'Same thing with Rwanda. Many American companies have shown interest, and not only in mining, but also in the midstream and downstream, which will be the processing of minerals.' The DRC is particularly well known for its supply of cobalt, which is used in batteries, gas-powered turbines and car air bags — as well as oil and chemical industry uses. A federal report last year raised human rights concerns about this mining, stating that forced labor is used in DRC cobalt production. Rwanda is a major exporter of tungsten, which is used in metalworking, mining and construction.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Rwanda and Congo Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Treaty
The top diplomats from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement in Washington on Friday to try to end a devastating war in eastern Congo that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people since fighting surged this year. The State Department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shepherded talks between the two countries, and Mr. Rubio welcomed their foreign ministers to a table in the Harry S. Truman Building, the department's headquarters, where the signing ceremony took place. The three diplomats and the audience applauded after the signing of the documents. 'We are grateful to both of you,' Mr. Rubio said. 'I know how hard it was and how much work went into it.' Rwanda's foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said that the country 'stands ready to work with the Democratic Republic of Congo on our joint commitment.' His counterpart from Congo, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, called the peace agreement 'a new chapter.' But she also declared that 'deep down, the flesh will still remember.' The two countries began working on drafts of the accord two months ago, and President Trump has boasted of his administration's role as mediator, though fighting has continued. Mr. Trump said in late May that Massad Boulos, the State Department's senior adviser for Africa and the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, had helped settle the war. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Korea Herald
05-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Biometric passport for the DR Congo - implemented with DERMALOG as system partner
The Democratic Republic of the Congo officially introduced its new biometric passport on June 5, 2025. The passport meets the highest security standards and reliably protects citizens' identities. As a technical partner, DERMALOG implemented the project under the leadership of the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. HAMBURG, Germany and KINSHASA, DRC, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the launch of passport production on June 5, 2025, Congolese citizens now receive a secure travel document that meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and integrates advanced anti-counterfeiting features, including a contactless RFID chip, a polycarbonate data page, and security elements such as holograms, UV printing, and watermarks. The Congolese government relies on a complete solution from DERMALOG for its passport system - from online pre-registration to biometric enrollment and central printing of the passports. A total of 100 stations have been installed for biometric capture: 50 stationary and mobile stations in the country and 50 mobile units in the diplomatic missions of the DR Congo. All stations are equipped with fingerprint and iris scanners, facial recognition cameras, document scanners and signature pads. Centralized production allows for up to 2,400 passports to be issued daily. "The launch of the new passport is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a proactive response to changing international standards […] guaranteeing the free movement of our citizens, while offering them maximum security for their personal data," said Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner (May 27, 2025, "We are proud to have accompanied this project as a partner. Our solution supports the country's digital sovereignty and offers maximum security and efficiency," explained Günther Mull, CEO of DERMALOG. With the new passport, the DR Congo is strengthening identity protection for its citizens and laying the foundation for modern, digital government services - made possible by the complete solution from DERMALOG, the biometrics expert and system supplier.
