WCC News: WCC welcomes signing of peace agreement between Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Rwanda

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomed the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda on 4 December.  Congolese soldiers, and one soldier's wife, harvest crops as part of an agricultural training program on a military base near Kamina, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sponsored by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the program teaches military personnel and their families agricultural skills that will allow them to support themselves, thus lessening problems of adjustment to life after military service. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 10 December 2025 “We receive this development with hope as a significant step toward restoring trust, ending violence, and advancing peace in the region,” said Pillay. “The WCC expresses its support for all efforts that promote dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.” Pillay acknowledged the complementary roles played by international and regional processes, including African Union-led initiatives, and called upon the international community not to relent in its engagement and support until permanent peace, security, and stability are achieved. “The WCC stands in solidarity with the churches and communities of the region and reaffirms its commitment to accompanying peace efforts through prayer, advocacy, and pastoral presence,” concluded Pillay. “We continue to pray that justice, reconciliation, and human dignity may prevail, and that the promise of peace embodied in this agreement may bear lasting fruit.” World Council of Churches (WCC) Statement on the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland