The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of 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.
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On November 19-20, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, along with the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator) and the African Union Commission convened the fourth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington, D.C. to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025.
The DRC 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.
Participants reviewed progress on Phase One of the OPORD, including updates on intelligence sharing, information operations conducted by the DRC to raise awareness in accessible communities, and encourage FDLR members to lay down their arms. 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 Rwanda’s defensive measures.
Participants also discussed the broader peace process, commending the recent signing of The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement DRC and Qatar’s leadership in facilitating the agreement. JSCM members recognized the benefit of maintaining close linkages between the Doha and Washington processes.
The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation to the United States, 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 the DRC and the Great Lakes Region on January 17, 2026 to further foster trust and advance the peace process.
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 DRC and the Great Lakes region.
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