Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission gathered in Washington, D.C., for the second meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) regarding the Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025.
During this session, committee members noted delays in implementing some parts of the agreement. They stated their shared commitment to ensuring that all aspects are fully and promptly carried out to support peace and stability in eastern DRC and across the Great Lakes region. The discussions addressed recent obstacles to implementation, including reports of violence in eastern DRC, and focused on identifying practical steps to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms.
The committee welcomed the unification of technical secretariats from the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and African Union into a single independent joint secretariat. They emphasized the continued importance of AU involvement in supporting implementation efforts. Additionally, both DRC and Rwanda reiterated their commitments to facilitate refugee returns according to outcomes from an August 8 Tripartite High-Level Ministerial meeting.
Looking ahead, committee members noted an upcoming Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) meeting aimed at speeding up efforts to counter support for the FDLR armed group. This is also expected to advance Rwanda’s lifting of defensive measures as outlined in Appendix A of the agreement. In preparation for this next JSCM meeting in Doha, DRC representatives stated there is no policy supporting FDLR and highlighted taking concrete actions accordingly. Rwanda affirmed its respect for DRC’s territorial integrity and acknowledged that its actions must reflect this stance.
Both countries confirmed their obligation “to immediately and unconditionally cease any state support to non-state armed groups except as necessary to facilitate implementation of the agreement.” They agreed on creating a technical level intelligence and military channel for direct information exchange before the next JSCM session. These steps are intended “to realize the full potential of the Regional Economic Integration Framework,” which aims to open key economic corridors for long-term development and stability.
Qatar updated participants on ongoing negotiations between DRC and AFC/M23 in Doha. These talks are seen as essential for achieving lasting stability in eastern DRC. Both governments restated their obligation “to lend their full support to bring the Doha negotiations to a successful conclusion.”
The committee pledged regular meetings moving forward “to address ongoing challenges, monitor progress, and ensure effective implementation” of the peace deal. Both DRC and Rwanda acknowledged contributions by “the United States, Qatar, and the African Union,” expressing gratitude for their role in promoting lasting peace in eastern DRC.
