This development builds on the momentum of recent diplomatic progress, including the Peace Agreement signed by the two countries on June 27, 2025, and the earlier Declaration of Principles signed in Washington, D.C. on April 25 by DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The REIF is expected to serve as a living platform that evolves over time, allowing for the inclusion of new, mutually beneficial initiatives in areas ranging from infrastructure and energy to health, tourism, and mining.
Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe,on July 30, told Members of Parliament that Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were preparing to enter into a special economic cooperation agreement.
'These will be specific agreements focused on bilateral cooperation, particularly on adding value to mineral resources. Discussions are still ongoing. We hope that experts from both sides will reach a consensus so that the agreement can be signed in the near future,' said Minister Nduhungirehe.
Before outlining principles for their economic cooperation principles, Rwanda and the DRC convened their first meeting of the oversight body tasked with monitoring the implementation of the peace agreement, which took place in Washington on July 31.
That meeting laid the groundwork for a follow-up session scheduled for August 4, bringing together members of a joint security mechanism. This body will be responsible for overseeing operations aimed at dismantling the terrorist group FDLR and reviewing Rwanda's defensive measures previously put in place.
The United States has welcomed both meetings as significant steps toward implementing the peace agreement, emphasizing that Rwanda and the DRC are on the right track toward enhanced security and economic collaboration.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-drc-set-stage-for-economic-integration-framework
