Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed on new measures to strengthen monitoring and verification of the implementation of the Washington Accords, as the two countries continue efforts to advance the peace process.
The agreement was reached during the sixth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), held in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 12–13, 2026. The mechanism brings together Rwanda and DRC, with the participation of the United States, Qatar, Togo and the African Union Commission.
Under the latest agreement, Rwanda and DRC will advance two initiatives aimed at strengthening monitoring and verification of commitments under the Washington Accords. The United States was asked to review the proposals and provide its views at the mechanism’s next meeting.
The two countries also agreed to work together at a third planning meeting scheduled for October 2026. The meeting is expected to produce revised rules of procedure to guide the mechanism’s future work.
The African Union Commission briefed participants on the outcome of a high-level AU meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana, on July 24–25.
FDLR remains a key issue
The implementation of security commitments remains a major issue in the Rwanda-DRC peace process, particularly the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the disengagement of forces.
The Washington peace agreement, signed in June 2025, provides for security measures including the neutralisation of the FDLR and the withdrawal of forces, with the JSCM established to support coordination and monitoring.
The latest Geneva meeting therefore comes as the two countries seek to translate the commitments in the agreement into concrete measures on the ground.
The continued engagement also signals an effort by Rwanda, DRC and international partners to maintain dialogue despite disagreements over how some of the security commitments should be implemented.
The JSCM is expected to continue monitoring progress and addressing outstanding issues through subsequent meetings.
