Rwanda and DR Congo to meet for talks on progress in security cooperation

By The Inspirer.

Delegations from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to meet on October 21–22, 2025, for the third session of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), which monitors progress in implementing peace and security agreements between the two countries.

The peace agreement, signed in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 2025, includes commitments to dismantle the FDLR rebel group, lift Rwanda’s defensive measures along its border, and facilitate the repatriation of refugees.

The first JSCM meeting took place in early August 2025, followed by a second session held in the United States on September 17–18. However, little progress was reported at that time, with Rwanda accusing the DRC of lacking the political will to disarm and dismantle the FDLR.

The upcoming third meeting comes just days after the DRC army issued a public call on October 10 urging FDLR combatants to lay down their weapons and surrender to the government or to the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO.

Reliable sources indicate that, so far, no FDLR fighters have surrendered to either the Congolese authorities or MONUSCO. If this situation persists, the agreement provides for military action against the group as the next step.

Reports also suggest that some FDLR members have started fleeing into Burundi amid fears of possible attacks by the AFC/M23 coalition in Uvira Territory in the coming days.

According to Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which monitors terrorist activities involving Rwandan nationals, several senior FDLR leaders remain active in Walikale Territory, North Kivu Province, as of October 14.

Among them are FDLR president Gaston Iyamuremye, also known as Gen. Byiringiro Rumuli, and Pacifique Ntawunguka, known as Gen. Omega, both reported to be operating in the Buhaya area of Walikale.