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., for the fourth Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) meeting on November 19-20, 2025. The meeting aimed to advance implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed earlier this year.
The DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Operations Order (OPORD) as part of a plan for neutralizing the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) and disengaging forces or lifting defensive measures by Rwanda. Observers from JSCM noted efforts made by both parties to continue demobilization, repatriation, and reintegration of FDLR members.
Participants assessed progress on Phase One of OPORD. This included updates on intelligence sharing and information operations led by the DRC to raise awareness in communities and encourage FDLR members to surrender arms. Discussions also addressed current challenges and gaps that could impact success in this phase. Members started conversations about Phase Two, which involves actions toward neutralizing FDLR elements and removing Rwandan defensive measures.
In addition to security coordination, attendees discussed broader peace initiatives. They commended "the recent signing of The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement DRC and Qatar’s leadership in facilitating the agreement." Participants agreed that maintaining strong connections between efforts based in Doha and those outlined in Washington would be beneficial.
The governments of DRC and Rwanda expressed appreciation for continued support from the United States, Qatar, and African Union throughout these processes. JSCM members also thanked Togo for its plans to host a High-Level Meeting on January 17, 2026 aimed at furthering trust among stakeholders in eastern DRC and across Africa's Great Lakes region.
"The Parties also thanked President Trump for the indispensable role he played throughout the process. All participants remain committed to advancing durable peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region," according to their joint statement.
