DRC and Rwanda Reaffirm Peace Commitment, Laud International Support at Washington Oversight Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a strong display of diplomatic unity, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda have expressed their “shared commitment to maintaining momentum in the peace process” and building on progress achieved, following the fifth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee. Held in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026, the meeting served as a review of the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed in June 2025.

The Committee meeting brought together representatives from the DRC and Rwanda alongside key international partners: the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (acting as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission.

Both Parties provided updates on their efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground since their last meetings in March 2026. The session also highlighted the ongoing diplomatic track, as the State of Qatar provided an update on negotiations between the DRC and the AFC/M23. The Committee expressed strong support for these “Doha talks” and thanked Switzerland for hosting the latest round, emphasizing the process’s “critical role” in advancing the broader implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Crucially, the joint statement from the meeting focused on the positive momentum and political commitment from Kigali and Kinshasa. The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda specifically “expressed their gratitude to the United States, Qatar, the African Union Commission, and Togo for their steadfast support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region”. This collective expression of thanks underscores the multilateral foundation that is sustaining the peace efforts between the two nations.