Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission met in Washington, D.C., on October 1 for the third meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee overseeing implementation of a peace agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda on June 27.
The committee addressed ongoing challenges in implementing the agreement. Discussions focused on actions such as neutralizing the FDLR armed group and its affiliates and progressing toward disengagement of forces by Rwanda. The DRC and Rwanda finalized an Operation Order submitted by their Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, confirming October 1 as its start date.
Access to detainees by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was recognized as important. Both countries committed to facilitating this access.
The committee reaffirmed support for fully implementing the peace agreement "in word and deed," emphasizing that members should refrain from hostile actions or rhetoric that could undermine progress, including at international forums.
Concerns were raised about rising tensions in Uvira and Walikale. The committee called for calm and restraint from all parties involved.
Qatar provided an update on negotiations underway in Doha between DRC representatives and AFC/M23. The committee welcomed agreements reached regarding prisoner exchanges and plans to resume talks during the week of October 6. It also supported continued progress in these negotiations as vital for broader implementation of the peace deal. The African Union Commission indicated readiness to assist with this process.
Plans were made to hold a fourth oversight meeting after another session of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism scheduled for October 21-22.
The governments of DRC and Rwanda expressed gratitude to "the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their continued support in advancing durable peace in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region."
