Joint Statement on the Sixth Joint Oversight Committee for the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda

The sixth Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda recently convened in London, bringing together key international and regional stakeholders. This meeting addressed the persistent challenges in implementing the June 27, 2025, Washington Accords, particularly concerning escalating hostilities, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, and the neutralization of armed groups like the FDLR and M23. The JOC emphasized the urgent need for an effective ceasefire, the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, and the cessation of support for non-state armed groups, while also committing to strengthening verification mechanisms and fostering trust through diplomatic engagement. The ongoing discussions underscore the complex legal and political landscape governing peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.

The Great Lakes region of Africa has long been plagued by intricate and protracted conflicts, with tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda being a significant driver of instability. The recent sixth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) for the Peace Agreement between the two nations, held in London, highlights the ongoing international and regional efforts to de-escalate hostilities and implement the terms of the landmark Washington Accords. This gathering, involving representatives from the DRC, Rwanda, the United States, Qatar, Togo (as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission, underscores the multifaceted nature of peacebuilding in a region marked by humanitarian crises and the persistent presence of armed groups.

This article delves into the legal and operational significance of the JOC meeting, examining the foundational peace agreement, the challenges to its implementation, and the roles of various actors in upholding international law and regional stability. The continued violence in eastern DRC, despite diplomatic breakthroughs, necessitates a critical analysis of the mechanisms in place and the legal obligations of the signatory parties. The thesis of this article is that while the Washington Accords provide a robust legal framework for peace, their effective implementation hinges on sustained political will, enhanced verification, and coordinated international pressure to address the root causes of conflict and ensure accountability.

The current peace efforts between the DRC and Rwanda are rooted in a history of strained relations spanning nearly three decades, characterized by mutual accusations regarding the actions of armed groups in eastern DRC. Various regional and international initiatives, including the Luanda Process, mediated by Angola, and the Nairobi Process, brokered by the East African Community, have sought to address both inter-state tensions and the proliferation of armed groups. These processes laid the groundwork for the comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, officially known as the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.

The Washington Accords, signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and formally ratified by Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame on December 4, 2025, aim to end the conflict by addressing key security and economic issues. Central to the agreement are provisions for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC, the Congolese government's commitment to end support for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia, and the establishment of a joint security coordination mechanism. The Accords also include a Regional Economic Integration Framework, designed to foster cooperation in critical minerals trade and other sectors, with significant involvement from the United States. The Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) was established within 30 days of the agreement's entry into force, mandated to serve as a forum for implementation, dispute resolution, and monitoring of violations.

The sixth Joint Oversight Committee meeting underscored the persistent challenges in translating the Washington Accords into tangible peace on the ground. A primary concern remains the escalating fighting and the deepening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, exacerbated by drone strikes and the continued activities of armed groups. The JOC specifically noted the need for the DRC to neutralize the FDLR and for Rwanda to disengage its forces and lift defensive measures, both core commitments under the June 27, 2025, Peace Agreement.

One of the most significant obstacles to peace is the ongoing M23 rebel movement, which a United Nations report found to be directly supported by the Rwandan military. Despite the Washington Accords' mutual commitment to cease supporting armed groups, fighting has continued, with both sides accused of violations. The UN Security Council, in Resolution 2773 (February 21, 2025), strongly condemned the M23's offensive and explicitly called on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to cease support and immediately withdraw from DRC territory without preconditions. The United States has also imposed targeted sanctions on the Rwanda Defense Forces and senior RDF generals due to recent escalations, signaling a commitment to accountability for those undermining peace.

The mandate of the JOC includes receiving complaints, addressing violations, and resolving disputes, with a goal of achieving consensus. The committee's agreement to seek an adjustment of the terms of reference for the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM+) to encompass verification of commitments under the Washington Accords is a crucial step towards strengthening accountability. The EJVM+, supported by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), is vital for monitoring ceasefires and verifying troop movements. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms depends on the political will of both parties to create conducive conditions for joint verification processes and to work through the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) for intelligence exchange and operational planning.

Furthermore, the JOC emphasized the need to build trust by refraining from hostile actions or rhetoric, particularly political attacks that could undermine the implementation of the Accords. This highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and the need for firm enforcement of legal obligations. The ongoing negotiations between the DRC and the M23 in the Doha process, which the JOC fully supports, are also critical for a comprehensive resolution, as the M23 was not a direct party to the Washington Accords. The systematic looting of natural resources in eastern DRC remains a significant driver of conflict, necessitating greater accountability and adherence to international frameworks to prevent the financing of armed groups through illicit mineral trade.

The sixth Joint Oversight Committee meeting serves as a critical barometer for the fragile peace process between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. While the Washington Accords provide a comprehensive legal framework, their implementation remains fraught with challenges, primarily due to persistent hostilities, the activities of armed groups, and allegations of external support. The international community, through bodies like the JOC and UN Security Council, continues to exert pressure for adherence to the agreement's terms, including the withdrawal of forces and the cessation of support for non-state actors.

For legal practitioners, the situation in the Great Lakes region presents a complex interplay of international humanitarian law, state responsibility, and the enforcement of peace agreements. Attorneys advising clients with interests in the region, particularly in sectors like mining, must conduct rigorous due diligence, considering the significant political and security risks. The emphasis on transparency in mineral supply chains within the Regional Economic Integration Framework, as well as the potential for sanctions, underscores the evolving legal landscape for businesses. Future developments will hinge on the effectiveness of verification mechanisms, the sustained commitment of all parties to diplomatic solutions over military confrontation, and the ability of regional and international actors to enforce accountability for violations of the peace agreement and international law.