Representatives of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have once again met in Geneva, Switzerland, for talks aimed at following up on the implementation of the peace agreement signed by the two countries in Washington.
The talks began on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and will continue until Thursday, September 17. They are attended by representatives of both sides, as well as partners involved in mediation and monitoring the implementation of the agreement.
This is the seventh meeting of the Joint Security Coordination and Monitoring Mechanism (JSCM), established to help the two sides monitor and coordinate activities related to the security commitments agreed upon.
The discussions are focused on assessing the progress made in implementing the Washington agreement, particularly provisions related to security in eastern DRC.
These provisions include the DRC’s obligation to confront the FDLR, while Rwanda has committed to taking measures to reduce and lift its defensive measures, depending on how the other provisions of the agreement are implemented.
The talks are taking place at a time when security problems continue to be reported in eastern DRC, where acts of violence and fighting continue to raise concerns about the implementation of the peace agreement.
Mechanisms for Monitoring Implementation of the Agreement
At the sixth JSCM meeting, held in Geneva on August 12 and 13, 2026, the two sides agreed to develop two mechanisms for monitoring and verifying the implementation of the security commitments contained in the agreement.
These mechanisms are intended to improve the monitoring of how the obligations of both sides are being fulfilled and to provide information on problems that may arise during implementation.
Mediators and international partners, including the United States and Qatar, are also involved, while Togo has a role in mediation efforts by the African Union.
Talks Take Place Amid Continued Problems on the Ground
Although the Washington agreement aims to establish a lasting framework for ending the conflict and promoting security in the region, its implementation continues to face challenges.
Fighting continues in different parts of eastern DRC, while various parties continue to accuse one another of failing to respect the commitments they have agreed upon.
The Geneva talks are therefore among the key activities aimed at assessing progress in implementing the agreement and examining measures that could be used to address the remaining challenges.
So far, no final outcome from the talks has been publicly announced, as the meeting continues on September 16 and is scheduled to conclude on September 17, 2026.
BARAKA Esther
Rwandatribune.rw
