The meeting brought together officials from the DRC and Rwanda alongside representatives from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission.
JSCM observers described the session as a key step in reinforcing progress on the peace roadmap, particularly the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the lifting of Rwanda's defensive measures.
During the two-day meeting, participants reviewed Phase One of the Operations Order (OPORD), focusing on intelligence sharing, community outreach, and efforts to encourage FDLR members to lay down their arms. Discussions also began on Phase Two of the OPORD, which outlines concrete steps to neutralise the militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and advance security cooperation between the two countries.
According to a joint statement released by the parties, the meeting further addressed the broader peace process, with participants commending the recent Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the DRC government and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement, facilitated by Qatar.
"JSCM members recognised the benefit of maintaining close linkages between the Doha and Washington processes," the statement reads.
President Donald Trump was acknowledged for his 'indispensable role' throughout the process.
The fourth JSCM meeting built on discussions from the third session held in October, reaffirming both countries' commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement and maintaining momentum toward durable peace in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
