Rwanda and DR Congo Hold First Oversight Meeting

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have held their first joint oversight meeting in Washington as part of a U.S.-brokered peace effort, signalling progress despite ongoing tensions and delayed implementation of key agreements.

In a significant step towards resolving years of unrest in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and the DRC held their first joint oversight committee meeting in Washington on Thursday, under the auspices of a United States-led peace initiative. The meeting marked a critical milestone in a diplomatic push to de-escalate tensions and build trust between the two neighbouring nations, whose relations have been strained by ongoing conflict and mutual accusations of backing rival armed groups.

Representatives from the African Union, Qatar, and the United States were present at the meeting, which focused on monitoring progress and maintaining momentum in the fragile peace process. The oversight meeting follows a landmark agreement reached last month in which Rwanda committed to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory within 90 days. Both parties also pledged to establish a joint security coordination mechanism—a crucial component designed to improve transparency, reduce hostilities, and prevent future incursions.

While the joint security mechanism has yet to be activated, officials familiar with the negotiations have emphasised that the peace process remains on track. “This is not a sprint but a steady march,” one diplomat involved in the talks told reporters. “The fact that both governments are sitting at the same table and talking is itself a breakthrough.”

Military sources confirmed that although certain implementation deadlines have been missed, the core ceasefire agreement is largely holding. However, the situation on the ground remains tense. Armed factions such as the M23 rebel group and the Wazalendo militia have reportedly reinforced their positions in eastern Congo, raising concerns about renewed violence.

“The security environment is still volatile, and spoilers remain active,” said an African Union representative attending the talks. “But this dialogue is an essential platform for progress.”

The decades-long conflict in eastern Congo has displaced millions and claimed countless lives, fuelled in part by the presence of foreign armed groups, competition over natural resources, and longstanding ethnic tensions. Rwanda has repeatedly denied accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, while accusing Congolese forces of backing hostile elements on its border.

This new peace initiative, spearheaded by the U.S. State Department, aims to stabilise the region through phased military disengagement and political dialogue. The oversight committee is expected to meet regularly to assess progress, address violations, and mediate disputes between the parties.

Another round of negotiations is anticipated in the coming weeks, with pressure mounting on both sides to demonstrate concrete action. Humanitarian organisations, meanwhile, continue to call for access to conflict zones and the protection of civilians who remain caught in the crossfire.

Although challenges remain, the Washington meeting has been hailed as a cautious yet important step toward peace. Both Kigali and Kinshasa have signalled their willingness to continue the process, raising hopes that the long-running conflict in the region may finally begin to ease through diplomacy rather than force.