The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will begin carrying out security measures under a U.S.-mediated peace deal on Oct. 1, according to a joint statement released Sept. 24, Reuters reported. The announcement marks the first concrete steps toward implementing the agreement the countries reached in Washington over Sept. 17-18.
The statement, also backed by the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission, sets a year-end deadline for completion. Sources told Reuters that military operations targeting the Congo-based Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops are scheduled between Oct. 21 and 31.
D.R. Congo and Rwanda had signed the broader peace deal in Washington in June, meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has promoted investment in the region’s vast mineral wealth. The deal commits Rwanda to lifting defensive measures within 90 days and calls for coordinated efforts to neutralize the FDLR, a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Despite the timeline, deep-rooted disputes remain. Internal notes from the September talks showed disagreements over Rwanda’s alleged ties to the M23 rebel group. While Kigali denies backing M23, a UN report in July said Rwanda exercises command over the group.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly this week, insisted that withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to M23 support are “non-negotiable conditions” for peace.
Further talks are planned in Washington.
