In support the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC, and Rwanda, the United States hosted two recent sets of meetings focused on implementing the security aspects of the agreement and building a framework for economic growth. Both are critical to achieving long-term stability and peace in the Great Lakes region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos hosted the Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Rwanda on June 27. “This is an important moment after 30 years of war,” said Secretary Rubio.
In close coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo, the United States continues to engage both parties to ensure implementation of the obligations laid out in the agreement.
On August 1, representatives from the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by the United States, initialed the text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework Tenets, a requirement outlined in the Peace Agreement. Through joint coordination in areas including energy, infrastructure, mining, national park management and tourism, and public health, the DRC and Rwanda will drive economic progress and improve the lives of people and the communities where they live across the Great Lakes region.
Also, on July 31, DRC and Rwandan delegations held the first meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee to support implementation of the Peace Agreement Between the DRC and Rwanda, observed by the United States, Qatar, the Republic of Togo, and the African Union Commission. The Committee serves as a platform for implementing the Peace Agreement and resolving disputes.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, said in a statement: “This week’s meetings represent a significant step forward in implementing the Peace Agreement, with the DRC and Rwanda taking meaningful actions to advance security and economic cooperation. The United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting these efforts and, as the parties make progress implementing the Peace Agreement, looks forward to hosting the Summit of the Heads of State in Washington, D.C., to drive peace, stability, and economic prosperity.” [VOA/VP]
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