For the people of eastern Congo, peace has long been a distant dream. But this week, there were renewed signs of progress as the DRC and Rwanda took another step toward reconciliation and regional stability.
On November 7, 2025, representatives from both countries met under the Joint Oversight Committee to review the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed in June this year.
The meeting brought together delegations from the DRC, Rwanda, the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo—acting as mediator for the African Union—and the African Union Commission.
In a major development, both countries initialed the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), a roadmap designed to strengthen trade, investment, and infrastructure cooperation between Kinshasa and Kigali.
The agreement, witnessed by U.S. Under Secretary Hooker and Senior Advisor Boulos, was described by participants as a sign that peace is beginning to produce real, measurable benefits for ordinary people.
The REIF aims to turn political reconciliation into tangible economic progress, opening doors for cross-border business and development in regions long devastated by war.
Its full implementation, however, will depend on continued progress in fulfilling security provisions of the Washington Agreement, particularly the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Operational Order (OPORD).
The Committee acknowledged delays in several commitments but agreed to intensify efforts on both sides. This includes renewed action against the FDLR and associated armed groups, steps by Rwanda toward lifting defensive measures and disengaging forces, and joint preparations for military operations in targeted areas. An implementing agreement was signed to fast-track these actions.
Participants also called for restraint in public communication, urging all parties to avoid provocative or hostile rhetoric that could jeopardize the fragile peace process.
Qatar, which continues to mediate talks between the DRC and AFC/M23 in Doha, presented an encouraging update on progress—particularly on humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges.
The Committee welcomed the launch of the Doha ceasefire monitoring mechanism on November 5, calling it an essential safeguard for the peace process.
In a joint closing statement, both the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining dialogue and translating promises into reality. They expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union for their continued support.
For many in eastern DRC, the latest developments inspire cautious optimism. After years of violence and displacement, the possibility of peace—anchored in cooperation and shared growth—feels closer than it has in a long time.