First Official Meeting of Rwanda and DR Congo Holds, Following US-Brokered Peace Deal

Parties review progress on implementation of June 27 agreement aimed at ending conflict in eastern Congo

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) convened their first official meeting on Thursday, August 1, 2025, following the landmark peace agreement brokered by the United States and signed on June 27. The meeting marked a significant step forward in the normalization of relations between the two countries, which have long been at odds over the conflict in eastern DRC.

The meeting, held under the auspices of a joint oversight committee established by the agreement, focused on assessing the initial progress in the implementation of the peace accord. According to a joint statement released on Friday, both sides selected chairpersons to lead the committee and adopted a formal Terms of Reference to guide future engagements.

The United States, Qatar, and Togo — who served as mediators and observers under the African Union’s facilitation framework — were present at the session. Their participation underscores continued international and regional support for the peace process.

The joint oversight committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the agreement, facilitating dialogue, resolving disputes, and reviewing complaints regarding any violations of the accord.

In the joint communiqué, both Rwanda and the DRC expressed gratitude to the African Union, the United States, and Qatar for their “invaluable contributions and joint efforts in advancing a peaceful resolution” to the long-standing conflict.

The peace agreement, signed in Doha by the foreign ministers of both countries, commits Rwanda and the DRC to an immediate cessation of hostilities between their respective armed forces. It also addresses key concerns raised by Kinshasa, including:

• Respect for the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

• The disarmament and demobilization of armed groups

• Mechanisms to restore peace and stability in the volatile eastern provinces

Eastern Congo has been mired in violence for decades, fueled by ethnic tensions, armed militias, and cross-border accusations between Kigali and Kinshasa. The new agreement seeks to provide a roadmap toward de-escalation and long-term regional cooperation.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has publicly reiterated his government’s commitment to fulfilling the terms of the agreement, signaling Rwanda’s readiness to contribute to regional peace.

Meanwhile, DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner affirmed her government’s resolve to implement the accord fully, emphasizing its potential to bring about lasting peace, sustainable development, and the full pacification of the eastern provinces.

The next oversight committee meeting is expected to build on Thursday’s discussions and further consolidate the fragile but promising peace process.