United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C.

December 4, 2025

President Donald J. Trump – Opening Remarks

Thank you very much. Wow, this is a nice building, I have to tell you. This is a special occasion for many reasons, but the most important is that this is our first event in this building dedicated to peace. It’s all about peace, and it’s a great honor.

Marker, you’ve done a fantastic job getting it ready—it’s a spectacular building, and we all appreciate it.

Most importantly, we are settling a war that has raged for decades, claiming millions and millions of lives. These two gentlemen spent significant time talking backstage and in the Oval Office with me. It was beautiful, and today is a truly important day.

We have leaders from other countries here who said such beautiful things backstage. I’d love for them to come up later and share those words again—though usually people do better off-stage, I think you’ll shine up here. This is an amazing day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a proud moment for these two countries.

Please, everyone, sit down. Thank you all for being here. This is a momentous occasion in a truly incredible setting—few places compare to this.

In this holy season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we gather at the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement ending one of the longest-running conflicts in the world—one that has killed far more than 10 million people.

Today, we commit to ending decades of violence and bloodshed and beginning a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Acknowledgments of Leaders and Guests

• I thank the two courageous leaders—President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. They are amazing, great people with incredible, fascinating stories—sad and beautiful. Today, we make them beautiful.
• Thank you to the distinguished guests in attendance (please stand when called):
• President of Angola
• President of Burundi
• President of Kenya (your runners are incredible—congratulations on the Olympics!)
• President of the Council of Ministers of Togo
• Vice President of Uganda
• Foreign Ministers of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
• Chairman of the African Union Commission—a fantastic job
• Special thanks to:
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio (please stand)
• Senior Adviser for Africa Massad Boulos
• U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Lindsey Graham
• U.S. Representatives Ronnie Jackson, Chris Smith, and Trent Kelly
• Acting President of the Institute of Peace, Darren Bey

All of these individuals were indispensable in forging this agreement.

The Conflict and the Achievement

• For over 30 years, one of the worst conflicts on Earth has raged in eastern Congo—millions killed, countless displaced, families destroyed. A disaster.
• Many previous administrations tried (though perhaps not too hard), but accomplished little as the violence worsened.
• Today, we succeed where others failed. This is the eighth war my administration has ended in less than one year.
• Last June, through the efforts of Secretary Rubio and Mr. Boulos, Rwanda and the DRC began the peace process.
• The Washington Accords we sign today formalize June’s terms:
• Permanent ceasefire
• Disarmament of non-state forces
• Refugee returns
• Justice and accountability for atrocities

Economic Prosperity Framework

• Critically, the accords create a new framework for economic prosperity in a region of tremendous natural wealth—beautiful earth once stained with blood.
• The DRC and Rwanda will integrate their economies rather than fight.
• These smart leaders genuinely like each other now. After years of conflict, they’ll focus on cooperation—and yes, partnering economically with the United States, like everyone else.
• They have valuable resources; they will achieve great success and wealth.

U.S. Bilateral Agreements

• Today, the United States signs bilateral deals with both nations to access critical minerals, bringing economic benefits to all.
• We will send our biggest companies to extract rare earths and other assets—everyone will make a lot of money.
• These are part of many mineral-supply agreements my administration has secured this year (Australia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Korea, and more), strengthening America’s economic security.

I have full confidence these leaders will honor their commitments and build brighter futures for their people. They are heroes today.

I now invite President Kagame of Rwanda, followed by President Tshisekedi of the DRC, to speak.

President Donald Trump – Closing Remarks

Thank you very much.

Recognition of FIFA President

• I just noticed a friend in the audience—Johnny Infantino, head of FIFA (soccer here, football there).
• Congratulations: We’ve sold more World Cup tickets than any host country at this stage—record-breaking.

And now we’re going to sign a very important agreement. Thank you.

(After signing and photos)

Final Confidence

• You’re going to see things happen very quickly.
• Many said this was not doable, but I believe it will be a great miracle.
• These two gentlemen are great leaders—they will prove it in the coming months and years.
• I expect very immediate results. I have full confidence.

Thank you very much everybody. Thank you.