DRC, Rwanda advance Washington Accords implementation

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed on additional measures to strengthen the monitoring and verification of commitments under the Washington Accords, as both countries seek to advance their peace process.

The agreement was reached during the sixth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), held in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 12 and 13.

The mechanism brings together representatives from Rwanda and the DR Congo, with the participation of the United States, Qatar, Togo and the African Union Commission.

Under the new measures, Rwanda and the DR Congo will pursue two initiatives designed to improve the monitoring and verification of commitments made under the Washington Accords.

The United States has been asked to review the proposals and provide feedback at the mechanism's next meeting.

The two sides also agreed to convene a third planning meeting in October 2026, which is expected to produce revised rules of procedure to guide the JSCM's future operations.

During the Geneva meeting, the African Union Commission briefed participants on the outcome of a high-level AU meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana, on July 24 and 25.

Security commitments remain at the center of the Rwanda-DR Congo peace process, including efforts to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and facilitate the disengagement of forces.

Signed in June 2025, the Washington Accords outline several security measures, including the neutralization of the FDLR and the withdrawal of forces.

The JSCM was established to help coordinate and monitor implementation of the agreement.