Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have held renewed diplomatic talks in Washington, United States, to assess progress in implementing peace commitments aimed at addressing long-standing insecurity in the Great Lakes region.
The meeting, held on April 23, marked the fifth round of consultations bringing together stakeholders involved in the peace process in eastern DRC, where armed groups have remained active for years.
The discussions brought together delegations from Rwanda and the DRC, alongside representatives from the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission.
A statement from the U.S. Department of State indicated that the meeting reviewed progress made since the previous session held in mid-March in Washington, during which both parties reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalating tensions and advancing cooperation.
Focus on implementation of peace commitments
The talks primarily focused on assessing the implementation of the peace agreement signed in June 2025 between Rwanda and the DRC, facilitated by the United States.
The agreement is aimed at improving security in eastern DRC through the dismantling of armed groups, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and promoting regional stability and economic collaboration.
During the session, Qatar provided updates on ongoing discussions between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 movement, which are part of broader efforts to address the armed conflict in eastern Congo.
The monitoring committee overseeing the agreement welcomed progress achieved so far and highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic engagement, including recent consultations hosted in Doha.
It also acknowledged Switzerland’s role in facilitating related discussions, noting that such efforts are helping to sustain momentum in the peace process.
Key provisions of the agreement
The Washington-facilitated peace agreement, signed by the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC with U.S. support, outlines several key priorities, including the neutralization of the FDLR armed group, composed in part of individuals linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It also includes commitments related to the gradual lifting of defensive security measures by Rwanda and the strengthening of cooperation in security and economic development across the region.
The agreement was further reaffirmed in December 2025, when President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi signed it in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Implementation challenges remain
Despite reported diplomatic progress, mediators noted that implementation of the agreement is still behind schedule due to a range of challenges.
One of the key concerns raised is the slow progress in dismantling the FDLR, which continues to be cited as a major obstacle to achieving lasting stability in eastern DRC.
Officials involved in the process emphasized that sustained political commitment and coordinated action from all parties will be critical to fully implementing the agreement and achieving durable peace in the Great Lakes region.
