The meeting, held under the framework of the Joint Oversight Committee, marked its fifth session since the agreement was signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, DC.
According to the joint statement released by the U.S. State Department, the Committee reviewed progress made since the March 17–18, 2026 meeting, with both Rwanda and the DRC providing updates on efforts to ease tensions and advance implementation of agreed measures on the ground.
The State of Qatar also briefed the meeting on ongoing negotiations between the DRC and AFC/M23. The Committee expressed strong support for these talks and welcomed Switzerland’s role in hosting the latest round of discussions in Doha, stressing the importance of this track in reinforcing the broader peace process.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining momentum in the implementation of the agreement and building on the progress already achieved.
Rwanda and the DRC also expressed appreciation to the United States, Qatar, the African Union Commission, and Togo for their continued support in promoting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
The Washington Peace Agreement outlines key measures, including efforts to dismantle the FDLR terrorist group, address security concerns, and contribute to long-term regional stability.
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, said both sides had reiterated their commitment to de-escalation and continued implementation of the agreement.
“The State Department hosted a productive meeting with our partners on the Joint Oversight Committee to review progress on the DRC-Rwanda Peace Agreement signed last June.
“Both the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalation and continued implementation of the Peace Agreement, building on progress from our March meetings in Washington. Grateful to the African Union, Togo, and Qatar for their contributions as we work to support a lasting peace in the Great Lakes,” he wrote on X.
The peace agreement signed in June last year had set a 90-day timeline for dismantling the FDLR and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures. However, nearly a year later, little progress has been achieved.
Although on March 29, the Congolese army announced plans to launch operations against the FDLR, Rwanda maintains that the group continues to operate freely.
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