The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have announced a significant step forward in their peace agreement, following the second meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington, D.C.
The two-day meeting, which concluded on September 18, focused on accelerating the implementation of the peace deal signed on June 27, 2025.
With support from the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union, participants reviewed the security situation in eastern DRC and shared intelligence to develop a common understanding of the ongoing challenges. This cooperation led to a phased approach to implementing a new operational plan, which includes the neutralization of armed groups like the FDLR and the withdrawal of Rwandan defensive measures.
The DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating the FDLR threat, restoring state authority, and rebuilding trust between the two countries. The two nations have now negotiated an official operational order with a target start date of October 1, 2025.
While progress is being made on the security front, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi used his address at the UN General Assembly to call on the international community to recognize the mass crimes in his country and “end impunity.” He stated, “A peace built on impunity is only a precarious armistice.”
AC/fss/abj/APA