In a significant step toward regional stability, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda convened in Washington, D.C. this week for the inaugural meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee, established under the landmark peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025.
The meeting brought together officials from both nations, alongside observers from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (representing the African Union), and the African Union Commission. The Joint Oversight Committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the peace accord, resolving disputes, and addressing any violations of the agreement.
During the session, delegates selected Chairpersons for the Committee, adopted terms of reference to guide future meetings, and reviewed progress on key provisions of the agreement. Preparations were also made for the upcoming launch of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, a critical component designed to foster trust and cooperation on security matters.
International Support for Regional Peace: The African Union, Qatar, and the United States played an active role in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of aligning implementation efforts with broader peacebuilding initiatives across the region. Their involvement underscores a shared commitment to durable peace and constructive dialogue.
Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed gratitude for the continued support of their international partners, acknowledging the African Union, United States, and Qatar for their “invaluable contributions” to the peace process.
This inaugural meeting marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to de-escalate tensions and build a framework for long-term cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
