WASHINGTON, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- Representatives from Congo and Rwanda, along with the U.S., Qatar, Togo and the African Union Commission convened the fourth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington to advance the implementation of the recently signed Washington Peace Agreement.
This came in a joint statement released late Thursday by the Governments of the U.S., Congo, Rwanda, Qatar, 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.
Congo 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, according to the statement.
Participants reviewed progress on Phase One of the OPORD, including updates on intelligence sharing, information operations conducted by Congo to raise awareness in accessible communities, and encourage FDLR members to lay down their arms, it said.
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 Rwandaآ’s defensive measures, it added.
Participants also discussed the broader peace process, commending the recent signing of The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement DRC and Qatarآ’s leadership in facilitating the agreement. JSCM members recognized the benefit of maintaining close linkages between the Doha and Washington processes.
The Governments of Congo nd Rwanda expressed their appreciation to the US, Qatar, and the African Union for their continued support and facilitation of the peace process. The JSCM members thanked Togo for its plans to host the High-Level Meeting on the Coherence and Consolidation of the Peace Process in Congo and the Great Lakes Region on January 17, 2026 to further foster trust and advance the peace process, it added.
The Parties also thanked President Trump for the indispensable role he played throughout the process. All participants remain committed to advancing durable peace and stability in eastern Congo and the Great Lakes region. (end) asj.mt