The discussions took place during the fifth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), held on July 15-16, 2026, at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to a joint statement released after the meeting, the parties “assessed the security environment in eastern DRC and worked toward a shared understanding of conditions on the ground.”
Rwanda and the DRC also “reaffirmed their commitment to rapidly implement the Washington Accords,” including accelerating efforts on the neutralization of the FDLR and lifting of defensive measures.”
A report by the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo identifies the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as a terrorist group that continues to play a significant role in destabilizing eastern DRC and posing a security threat to Rwanda.
The report describes the FDLR as comprising three main factions and at least four senior leaders.
While the group claims to have more than 10,000 fighters and its armed wing, CRAP (Commando de Recherche et d’Action en Profondeur), claims to have over 20,000 members, the UN and intelligence agencies estimate its actual strength at between 3,500 and 4,500 combatants.
According to the report, the FDLR is divided into three principal factions: FDLR-FOCA, FDLR-RUD, and FDLR-FPP.
The report further notes that these factions have adopted different names to conceal their affiliation with the FDLR.
FDLR-FOCA operates under the name “Bataillon Jungle,” FDLR-RUD uses “FDP-R,” while FDLR-FPP continues to operate as “FPP.” The report says these name changes are intended to disguise their links while continuing the same activities.
In late March 2026, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) announced plans to eliminate the FDLR.
However, analysts familiar with the Congolese military argued that such an objective would be difficult to achieve, contending that any genuine effort to dismantle the group would first have to address FDLR elements integrated within state security forces.
Subsequently, FDLR fighters were redistributed among the Wazalendo militia groups.
To reinforce transparency and accountability, the parties agreed to explore possible verification mechanisms to support implementation of the Washington Accords.
The meeting also received a briefing from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) on its Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme.
The discussions focused on how the programme contributes to the objectives of the Washington Accords through the repatriation of FDLR members, while the parties also identified steps to strengthen coordination going forward.
In another commitment aimed at supporting the peace process, Rwanda and the DRC agreed to maintain regular information sharing to ensure “an accurate picture of developments on the ground in eastern DRC.”
The two countries also thanked the United States, Qatar, the African Union and Togo for their continued support throughout the peace process.
Describing the agreement as “an historic opportunity to unlock security and prosperity for people in the Great Lakes region,” the parties reaffirmed their determination “to see this process through” and agreed to reconvene in the coming weeks to review progress on implementing the Washington Accords.
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