Rwanda

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission on the occasion of the fourth Joint Security Coordination Mechanism meeting held this week in Washington, D.C. On November 19-20, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, along with the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator) and the African Union Commission convened the fourth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington, D.C. to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025. The DRC and Rwanda committed to advancing the Operations Order (OPORD) to implement the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures by Rwanda.  JSCM observers acknowledged the efforts of the Parties to facilitate the continued demobilization, repatriation, and reintegration of FDLR members. Participants reviewed progress on Phase One of the OPORD, including updates on intelligence sharing, information operations conducted by the DRC to raise awareness in accessible communities, and encourage FDLR members to lay down their arms.  The Parties engaged in open discussions to consider ongoing challenges and identify gaps and opportunities to work towards ensuring the success of Phase One.  JSCM members also began discussion of Phase Two of the OPORD, including actions to neutralize the FDLR and lift Rwanda’s defensive measures. Participants also discussed the broader peace process, commending the recent signing of The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement DRC and …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 24, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission on the occasion of the second Joint Security Coordination Mechanism meeting held last week in Washington, D.C. Begin text: On September 17-18, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, along with the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission convened the second meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington, D.C. to advance the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025. JSCM members reviewed the current security posture in eastern DRC and exchanged intelligence and information to establish a shared understanding of the situation on the ground. This shared intelligence picture was used to develop a phased approach to implement the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the neutralization of the FDLR and its associated groups, and disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda. The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitments to the desired end state outlined in the CONOPS, which includes that the threat of FDLR in the DRC is eradicated, Rwanda’s defensive measures are lifted, the DRC’s authority is restored, and trust between the DRC and Rwanda is reestablished. During the two-day meeting, the parties negotiated an Operational Order (OPORD) to advance the CONOPS. The parties agreed to begin implementation of the OPORD on October 1, 2025. The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda expressed their gratitude to the United States, Qatar, the African Union, and Togo for their continued support and facilitation of the peace …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 3, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission on the occasion of the second Joint Oversight Committee held this week in Washington, D.C. Begin Text On September 3, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, along with the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission convened the second meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) for the Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025. Committee members acknowledged slowness in implementation of some elements of the Agreement and underscored their shared resolve to ensure its complete and timely implementation to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. Discussions focused on addressing recent challenges to implementation, including reports of violence in eastern DRC, and identifying actionable steps to ensure compliance with the Agreement’s provisions. Committee members welcomed the merger of the technical secretariats of the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and AU into one independent joint secretariat, noting the importance of the AU role in supporting implementation of the Peace Agreement going forward. In addition, the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitments to advance the return of refugees in accordance with the outcomes of the August 8 Tripartite High-Level Ministerial. Committee members welcomed the upcoming meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) to accelerate efforts to neutralize support for the FDLR armed group and advance Rwanda’s lifting of its …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson August 8, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the African Union Commission, and the Togolese Republic (as the Representative of the AU Mediator) on the occasion of the first Joint Security Coordination Mechanism meeting held this week at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa. Begin Text: On August 7-8, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda), along with observers from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Representative of the AU mediator, and the African Union Commission held the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda that was signed in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2025. The Joint Security Coordination Mechanism is responsible for the implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures by Rwanda (annex of the Peace Agreement signed June 27, 2025). The Mechanism is also tasked with facilitating intelligence and information sharing between the parties for the purpose of implementing the Peace Agreement. During the first meeting, the Permanent Members—DRC and Rwanda—adopted terms of reference to govern future meetings of the Mechanism and began discussions on implementing the Peace Agreement. The Representative of the AU Mediator, the African Union Commission, the State of Qatar, and the United States participated in these discussions to ensure the effective, efficient, and impartial implementation of the Agreement, as well as the continuation of good-faith initiatives to achieve lasting stability in the region. Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed their …

Bureau of African Affairs Other Releases August 01, 2025 The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Government of Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda) (together, “the Participants”) Welcoming the Declaration of Principles signed by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2025; Committed to supporting the implementation of the Peace Agreement dated June 27, 2025 between the DRC and Rwanda by preventing illicit trade from fueling violence or funding armed groups and building a future where cross-border cooperation enhances peace and prosperity for both countries; Recognizing the potential for synergy with continental and regional organizations, including the possibility of revitalizing Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL); Intending to chart a future of mutually beneficial partnerships, greater connectivity with international and regional economic development initiatives, and investment opportunities across sectors, including in mining, infrastructure, energy, industrial development, agribusiness, public health, and national park management. Hereby announce their intent to establish a Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). The Participants further intend to finalize the REIF through a separate agreement which will outline the coordination mechanisms to conduct planning and implementation of REIF lines of effort and initiatives. The Participants reaffirm that these initiatives are to be carried out in full compliance with the sovereignty, laws, and regulations of each country. The Participants intend for the REIF to include the Areas of Focus described below, with the overall intention of ensuring the REIF serves as a living platform that allows the Participants to add new mutually agreeable objectives and initiatives. EXPECTATIONS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PARTICIPANTS The …

Press Statement Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson August 01, 2025 In support of implementation of the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda) signed in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2025, the United States hosted two sets of meetings on July 30 through August 1, 2025, focused on implementation of the security aspects of the agreement and building a framework for regional economic growth opportunities, which together are critical to achieving long-term stability and durable peace in the Great Lakes region. This bilateral initiative is designed to unlock the immense economic potential of the Great Lakes region made possible only through the implementation of the Peace Agreement. On August 1, representatives from the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by the United States, initialed the text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework Tenets, a requirement outlined in the Peace Agreement. Through joint coordination in areas including energy, infrastructure, mining, national park management and tourism, and public health, the DRC and Rwanda will drive economic progress and improve the lives of people and the communities where they live across the Great Lakes region. Also on July 31, DRC and Rwandan delegations held the first meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee to support implementation of the Peace Agreement Between the DRC and Rwanda, observed by the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator) and the African Union Commission. The Committee serves as a platform for implementing the Peace Agreement and resolving disputes. At its first meeting, participants appointed Chairpersons to the Commission, agreed to governing terms, and prepared for the launch of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism. This week’s meetings represent a significant step forward in implementing the Peace Agreement, with the DRC and Rwanda taking meaningful actions to …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson July 31, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, and the African Union on the occasion of the first Joint Oversight Committee held this week in Washington, D.C. Begin Text. On July 31, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda), along with observers from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission held the first meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee for the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda that was signed in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2025. The Joint Oversight Committee is charged with serving as a forum for implementation and dispute resolution of the peace agreement. The Committee is responsible for receiving complaints about violations of the agreement, taking appropriate measures to address violations, and amicably settling disputes. During the first meeting, the parties selected their Chairpersons for the Committee, adopted terms of reference to govern future meetings of the Committee, discussed progress on implementing the Agreement, and prepared for the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism. The African Union, State of Qatar, and the United States participated in these discussions to ensure complementarity and alignment between implementation efforts and on-going initiatives aimed at dialogue and durable peace in the region. Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation for the invaluable contributions and joint efforts of the African Union, United States, and Qatar as partners in advancing a peaceful resolution. End Text. …

Remarks Secretary of State, Marco Rubio Washington D.C. June 27, 2025 SENIOR ADVISOR BOULOS:  Please join me in welcoming Secretary Rubio, Foreign Minister Wagner, and Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe.  (Applause.)  Secretary Rubio, Foreign Minister Wagner, Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe, Minister of State Al Khulaifi, African Union Chairperson Youssouf, Foreign Minister Dussey, ambassadors, members of Congress, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen:  Thank you for joining for the historic signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda. In a moment, Secretary Rubio and the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda will sign an agreement that builds on the Declaration of Principles signed here on April 25th.  With their signatures, the peace agreement will enter into force, bringing an end to a 30-year conflict and setting both countries and their people on a path towards peace and prosperity.  This would not be possible without the leadership and vision of President Trump.  He has made peace a priority of his administration, and we have taken up his call to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict. I would like to recognize the tireless work that both foreign ministers and their teams put into reaching this agreement.  I would also like to recognize the partnership from the Government of Qatar, who is driving towards a parallel agreement between the Government of the DRC and the M23 armed group.  In addition, I would like to acknowledge that the work done under the auspices of the African Union was critical for reaching this agreement.  We look forward to coordinating with the AU chairperson and Togolese president, who is serving as the AU facilitator, to ensure implementation of the agreement. Finally, I would like to recognize the team here at the Department of State who facilitated the discussions and helped guide both sides towards this agreement. I will now …

Office of the Spokesperson June 27, 2025 On June 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos hosted the Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the Government of the DRC, and Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, while Secretary Rubio signed as a witness. The signing ceremony was attended by African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, on behalf of the African Union, and Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi as observers. The Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement marks a historic milestone in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for the DRC, Rwanda, and the broader Great Lakes region of Africa. Building upon the Declaration of Principles signed by both parties on April 25, 2025, the agreement reflects months of sustained negotiations, led by Senior Advisor Boulos. These discussions addressed longstanding issues of governance, security, and economic integration and laid the foundation for a comprehensive agreement that confronts the root causes of a protracted conflict and supports a sustainable path toward regional peace and stability. The Peace Agreement entered into force upon signature, and the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting its full and timely implementation. In close coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo, the United States will continue to engage both parties to ensure implementation of the obligations laid out in the agreement. In the coming weeks, we look forward hosting a Summit of the Heads of State at the White House to further advance peace, stability, and mutual economic prosperity. …