Representatives of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 16 and 17 for talks focused on the implementation of the Washington peace agreement.
The discussions will bring together representatives of both countries under the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), a framework established to monitor the implementation of security-related commitments under the agreement.
Representatives from the United States, Qatar, Togo and the African Union Commission are also expected to attend, reflecting their roles in facilitating and monitoring the peace process between Rwanda and the DRC.
The Geneva meeting comes as insecurity continues to affect eastern DRC, with several provisions of the Washington agreement yet to be fully implemented.
The peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC was signed in Washington on June 27 and December 4, 2025, as part of efforts to address longstanding security and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
FDLR expected to feature prominently
The issue of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) is expected to be among the key issues discussed, as Kigali and Kinshasa remain at odds over how the armed group should be dealt with.
On July 28, 2026, the DRC government announced that it had reached an agreement with the FDLR.
Rwanda rejected the move, arguing that it was inconsistent with the Washington agreement, which calls for the dismantling of the FDLR’s military capabilities rather than negotiations and agreements with the group.
Rwanda has also continued to accuse the DRC government of cooperating with and supporting the FDLR, allegations Kinshasa has denied.
The Geneva talks are expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides and their international partners to assess progress in implementing the Washington agreement and explore ways to address the remaining obstacles to peace and security in eastern DRC.
