By Our Reporter
WORLD
Vice President Jessica Alupo has landed in Washington DC today, Thursday, December 4, 2025 to stand in for President Yoweri Museveni during the signing of the Peace and Prosperity Accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Upon her arrival at Joint Base Andrews, a United States military installation, Vice President Alupo was warmly welcomed by Elise K. McSwain, the Deputy Director of Flightline Protocol, along with Ambassador Robinah Kakonge, Ambassador Tayebwa Katureebe, and First Secretary George Tebagana, alongside other esteemed guests.
Her representation at this significant event highlights Uganda’s enduring commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. Under President Museveni’s leadership, Uganda has built a reputation as a mediator, advocating for dialogue, military professionalism, and collaboration among regional players.
Over the years, Museveni has taken the lead in easing tensions among neighboring governments and has actively contributed to strategies aimed at combating cross-border threats. Uganda’s steadfast commitment to diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and economic interconnectedness has established it as a trustworthy ally in addressing complex regional challenges.
As Vice President Alupo takes part in this historic signing, it reinforces Uganda’s dedication to peaceful relations, responsible neighborly conduct, and the ambition for a stable and economically integrated Great Lakes region.
The eastern DRC has faced decades of turmoil, home to over 100 armed groups, with the M23 rebel movement being notably prominent in the context of the post-1994 Rwandan genocide, primarily comprising ethnic Tutsi fighters.
In 2021, M23 made a resurgence, capturing significant towns in North Kivu. This development intensified tensions, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of backing the insurgents—a claim that Rwanda has continually rejected.
The violence has led to the displacement of millions, destabilizing communities and raising urgent international alarm. Regional leaders, including those from Uganda, have repeatedly stressed the importance of finding a political resolution that prioritizes security, humanitarian aid, and sustainable rebuilding efforts.
While intermittent clashes continue, recent diplomatic efforts have shown promise. The upcoming signing at the White House is anticipated to create clear security guarantees, a plan for demobilization, and improved economic collaboration between the DRC and Rwanda.
Today, on November 4, 2025, the signing ceremony for the Washington Accords is being hosted by the U.S. Administration after years of mediation by Angola regarding the situation in Eastern DRC.
President Trump, along with the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda, will deliver remarks before signing the peace agreement.
Following the signing of the Washington Accords aimed at fostering peace and stability between the DRC and Rwanda, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Centre and the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Bureau will co-host a high-level fireside chat and private sector dialogue to kick off the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF).
