Rwanda and DRC reaffirm commitment to Washington peace agreement at third JSCM meeting

The meeting brought together officials from both countries alongside representatives from the United States, the State of Qatar, and the African Union Commission. The session aimed to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, signed on June 27, 2025, which seeks to end hostilities and restore stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.

According to a joint statement released by the U.S. Department of State, participants reaffirmed their adherence to the Operations Order (OPORD), the key plan guiding the execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) finalised earlier this month during the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) meeting.

The JSCM reviewed progress since the previous sessions held in September and early October, particularly under Phase 1 of the OPORD, which emphasised preparation through threat analysis and information sharing.

Delegates also discussed coordinated steps toward neutralising the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a key objective of the peace roadmap, and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures once security conditions permit. Rwanda maintains that the FDLR, a militia group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continues to collaborate with the Congolese army and operate in eastern DRC, posing a serious security threat to Rwanda.

While the parties acknowledged progress, the fragile nature of the peace process remains evident. Since the Washington Peace Agreement was signed in June, implementation has faced multiple setbacks amid lingering mistrust and continued instability in parts of eastern Congo. The meeting in Washington was therefore seen as a critical step in sustaining dialogue and maintaining momentum toward de-escalation.

Both the Congolese and Rwandan delegations expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their ongoing facilitation and diplomatic support. The JSCM members agreed to continue monitoring developments closely and to reconvene for a fourth meeting on November 19–20, 2025, to assess progress and address emerging challenges.

All participants reiterated their shared commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.