The meeting was attended by observers from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (representing the African Union), and the African Union Commission.
According to a joint statement released on Thursday night, the Joint Oversight Committee serves as a platform for both implementation and dispute resolution. It is mandated to handle complaints regarding violations of the agreement, take corrective measures, and help settle disputes amicably.
'The Committee is responsible for receiving complaints about violations of the agreement, taking appropriate measures to address violations, and amicably settling disputes,' the joint statement released by the U.S. Department of State spokesperson reads in part.
During the meeting, committee members selected their chairpersons, established the terms of reference for future engagements, reviewed progress made so far, and prepared for the first session of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism scheduled for August 4 in Washington.
The peace agreement includes two core commitments: dismantling the FDLR armed group, deemed a threat to Rwanda and the region, and lifting Rwanda's defensive measures. Both steps are to be guided by a mutually agreed roadmap from October 2024 under the Luanda process.
Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe told Rwanda's Parliament on July 30 that the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism would be responsible for these actions and has been given a 90-day mandate, extendable by 30 days.
The Rwandan government has reiterated that the dismantling of the FDLR, comprising remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, must precede any easing of its defensive posture.
Rwanda Defence Force spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga stated in June 2025 that the FDLR consists of an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 fighters. UN expert reports have indicated the group cooperates with DRC forces and armed coalitions such as the Wazalendo alliance, including CMC-FDP and APCLS.
IGIHE
