A Major Step Forward in Regional Economic Cooperation
Representatives from the Rwandan and Congolese governments took a significant step forward by “initialed the full text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF)” on Friday, November 7. This development was overseen by US Under Secretary Allison Hooker and US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos.
The REIF is designed to outline key areas for fostering economic cooperation and development between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to a media note from the US State Department, this framework highlights the tangible benefits of peace and creates opportunities for investment and growth that directly benefit people in the region.
However, the implementation of the REIF remains contingent upon the satisfactory execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Operational Order (OPORD) under the Peace Agreement. This underscores the critical link between peace, stability, and economic progress.
Joint Oversight Committee Meeting
On Friday, DR Congo, Rwanda, the U.S., Qatar, Togo, as the AU mediator, and the AU Commission convened the fourth Joint Oversight Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the ongoing implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement. The committee reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintaining momentum in the peace process and continuing to build on the progress achieved.
Massad Boulos, the US Senior Advisor, highlighted the importance of this meeting on X, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to implement the Washington Peace Agreement.
Lagging Progress and Commitments
The US State Department noted that the Committee recognized lagging progress and committed to redoubling efforts to implement the Washington Peace Agreement. The Parties agreed on specific near-term actions in line with their respective obligations for neutralizing the FDLR armed group and its associated groups. They also advanced disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda.
The committee reviewed preparations for military operations in a named area of interest, adopted an implementing agreement, and acknowledged the efforts of both parties to translate their obligations into tangible actions on the ground.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from hostile actions or rhetoric, particularly political attacks or language that would undermine or complicate the full implementation of the Peace Agreement, including in international fora.
Ongoing Negotiations and Ceasefire Monitoring
The State of Qatar provided an update on the ongoing negotiations in Doha between Kinshasa and AFC/M23, highlighting progress on key issues, including prisoner exchanges. The Committee welcomed the first convening of the Doha ceasefire monitoring mechanism on November 5 and expressed strong support for these efforts. It emphasized the critical role of the Doha process in advancing the broader implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Shared Commitment to Peace
The Parties expressed a shared commitment to maintaining momentum in the peace process and continuing to build on the progress achieved. The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda expressed their gratitude to the United States, Qatar, the African Union, and Togo for their steadfast support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
Key Areas of Focus
- Economic Cooperation: The REIF outlines key areas for fostering economic cooperation and development between Rwanda and the DRC.
- Peace and Stability: The implementation of the REIF is linked to the successful execution of the CONOPS and OPORD under the Peace Agreement.
- Military Operations: The committee reviewed preparations for military operations in a named area of interest and adopted an implementing agreement.
- Ceasefire Monitoring: The Doha ceasefire monitoring mechanism was welcomed, highlighting progress in the peace process.
- International Support: The DRC and Rwanda thanked the United States, Qatar, the African Union, and Togo for their support in advancing peace and stability.