Rwanda and Congo Struggle with Peace Deal Implementation

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have initiated the first meeting of a joint oversight committee, marking a key step toward implementing a peace deal finalized in Washington last month. Despite constructive discussions, several crucial commitments outlined in the agreement remain unfulfilled.

The deal, brokered in June under the Trump administration, aims to end violence that has claimed thousands of lives and attracted significant international investment to a region rich in minerals. Central to the agreement is the pledge for Rwandan troops to withdraw from eastern Congo within 90 days and establishing a joint security coordination mechanism.

Though a meeting of the joint oversight committee was held on schedule, delays in other critical areas, such as the establishment of the security mechanism and operations against Congo-based forces, raise concerns. U.S. Senior Africa Adviser Massad Boulos assured that progress remains on track and announcements are expected soon.

(With inputs from agencies.)