Delegations from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) met in Geneva, Switzerland, to review progress in implementing the Washington Peace Agreement signed by the two countries on June 27, 2025. The meeting, held on August 12 and 13, was the sixth session of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), established to coordinate and monitor security-related commitments under the peace process. Representatives from the United States, Qatar, Togo, which was appointed by the African Union (AU) as a facilitator, and the AU Commission also attended the meeting. New mechanisms to

Delegations from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) met in Geneva, Switzerland, to review progress in implementing the Washington Peace Agreement signed by the two countries on June 27, 2025. The meeting, held on August 12 and 13, was the sixth session of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), established to coordinate and monitor security-related commitments under the peace process. Representatives from the United States, Qatar, Togo, which was appointed by the African Union (AU) as a facilitator, and the AU Commission also attended the meeting.

New mechanisms to monitor implementation

Rwanda and the DRC agreed to continue with two initiatives aimed at strengthening the monitoring and verification of the implementation of the Washington Agreement. Although the details of the initiatives were not made public, the U.S. Department of State said both sides asked Washington, as a mediator of the agreement, to review the proposals and provide feedback at the next JSCM meeting. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Geneva on September 16 and 17, 2026. The two countries also agreed to hold a joint planning meeting in October 2026, where the relevant operational guidelines will be reviewed and updated.

DRC presents plan on FDLR

During the Geneva meeting, the DRC presented its plan to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The plan follows an agreement between the Congolese government and the FDLR that was announced in late July 2026. Rwanda rejected the agreement, arguing that it was not consistent with the commitments contained in the Washington Peace Agreement. The FDLR issue remains one of the major security concerns affecting relations between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly in eastern Congo.

US and EU urge DRC to dismantle FDLR

On August 13, 2026, the European Union, the United States and other Western partner countries called on the DRC to fulfill its commitments under the Washington Agreement, including dismantling the FDLR. The countries, which are part of the International Contact Group (ICG) monitoring developments in the Great Lakes region, reminded the Congolese government that cooperation with the FDLR contradicts commitments made under the peace agreement.

Peace process continues

The sixth JSCM meeting took place as efforts continue to implement agreements aimed at addressing longstanding tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. The continuation of dialogue and agreement on additional mechanisms to monitor implementation indicate that the diplomatic process remains active. However, the FDLR, security in eastern DRC and the implementation of commitments by both parties remain among the key issues expected to dominate discussions at upcoming meetings.

A little more informed. A little more connected.