Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda met on August 7-8, 2025, at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa for the first session of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM). The meeting was attended by observers from the United States, Qatar, the African Union Commission, and Togo as a representative of the AU mediator.
The JSCM is tasked with carrying out the Concept of Operations for a Harmonized Plan that aims to neutralize the FDLR and manage disengagement of forces as well as lifting defensive measures by Rwanda. This plan is an annex to a peace agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 2025.
During this inaugural meeting, DRC and Rwanda adopted terms of reference to guide future sessions. They also began discussions on how to implement provisions outlined in their recent peace agreement. The mechanism will facilitate intelligence and information sharing between both countries to support these efforts.
Observers from Qatar, Togo (on behalf of the AU mediator), the African Union Commission, and the United States joined discussions to promote effective implementation of the agreement. Their participation aims to help ensure impartiality and continued cooperation toward regional stability.
According to a joint statement: “The Representative of the AU Mediator, the African Union Commission, the State of Qatar, and the United States participated in these discussions to ensure the effective, efficient, and impartial implementation of the Agreement, as well as the continuation of good-faith initiatives to achieve lasting stability in the region. Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation for the invaluable contributions and joint efforts of the African Union, United States, and Qatar as partners in advancing a peaceful resolution.”
