UNHCR Applauds DRC-Rwanda Peace Agreement, Urges Focus on Displaced Peoples

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has welcomed the landmark agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, a breakthrough hailed as a significant step toward peace, stability, and a future free from the cycles of violence that have plagued the Great Lakes region for decades.

The accord, signed in Washington D.C. with the support of regional and international stakeholders, is being praised for its strong focus on resolving one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in Africa—the prolonged displacement of millions due to conflict, insecurity, and human rights violations.

A Turning Point for Millions

The DRC has long been the epicenter of protracted humanitarian crises, with more than 6.3 million people internally displaced and over 1 million Congolese refugees living in neighboring countries. Persistent violence, particularly in the eastern provinces, has caused repeated displacements and fueled regional tensions, notably with Rwanda.

The new agreement holds the promise of reversing this trend. In a statement, Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed optimism that the accord could transform the outlook for countless families:

“The agreement can bring renewed hope to those who have endured far too much for far too long. We thank all those who made this possible. This is a chance to turn the page—ensuring the protection of civilians, including refugees and internally displaced people, and advancing durable solutions that allow them to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”

Key Commitments: Refugee Return and Humanitarian Access

UNHCR commended the agreement’s explicit commitment to supporting the voluntary, dignified, and safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their places of origin. It also praised the guarantee of unimpeded humanitarian access to affected communities—an essential prerequisite for recovery and reintegration.

This commitment directly aligns with the existing Tripartite Agreements involving the DRC, Rwanda, and UNHCR, which provide a legal framework for the voluntary repatriation of refugees, as well as frameworks involving other host countries across East and Southern Africa.

The agency highlighted the importance of ensuring that all returns are informed, voluntary, and conducted in safety and dignity, with reintegration support and monitoring mechanisms in place to protect returnees from renewed displacement.

A Regional and Global Effort

The success of the peace agreement owes much to the coordinated efforts of regional blocs such as the African Union and the East African Community, as well as international actors including the United States and the United Nations. Diplomacy has played a vital role in reducing tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa and in establishing the framework for mutual trust and cooperation.

UNHCR emphasized the value of continued multilateral engagement to ensure implementation of the agreement. This includes supporting transitional justice, restoring essential services, facilitating reconciliation, and investing in local infrastructure to rebuild livelihoods in return areas.

Humanitarian Conditions Remain Fragile

While the agreement is a critical breakthrough, humanitarian conditions in both countries remain precarious. The eastern DRC continues to face armed violence, including attacks by armed groups that often target civilians. Rwanda, which hosts over 125,000 refugees from neighboring countries, is also managing the strain on its social services and infrastructure.

UNHCR underlined that peace and security are essential but not sufficient—displaced people must also have access to housing, education, health services, and livelihood opportunities. Reintegration efforts must also prioritize communities hosting displaced populations, who often share scarce resources and endure economic hardships of their own.

UNHCR’s Role Moving Forward

UNHCR reaffirmed its readiness to work with the DRC, Rwanda, and all relevant partners to operationalize the agreement. The agency's approach includes:

• Facilitating voluntary repatriation in accordance with international standards and refugee rights

• Providing protection and legal assistance to returnees and those still displaced

• Reinforcing community resilience through development-oriented humanitarian aid

• Supporting conflict-sensitive reintegration to avoid the recurrence of tensions

UNHCR’s presence in both countries—through field offices, mobile response teams, and local partnerships—places it in a key position to monitor returns, respond to protection risks, and contribute to sustainable peacebuilding.

A New Chapter for the Great Lakes Region

This agreement marks a rare moment of convergence for peace and humanitarian agendas in a region long marked by instability. While challenges remain, the commitment of the DRC and Rwanda to restoring peace offers a long-overdue opportunity to address the root causes of displacement and invest in a future where families can live without fear of violence or exile.

“This is more than a political accord—it’s a lifeline for those yearning for home, safety, and hope,” Grandi concluded. “The international community must now rally behind its implementation.”