Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo took a significant step toward economic integration on November 7 by initialing the full text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). Overseen by U.S. Under Secretary Allison Hooker and senior advisor for Arab and African affairs Massad Boulos, the agreement outlines key areas for fostering economic cooperation and development between the two nations. The REIF aims to demonstrate the tangible benefits of peace and create investment and growth opportunities that directly benefit people in the region. However, its implementation depends on the satisfactory execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Operational Order (OPORD) under the Peace Agreement, underscoring the critical link between peace, stability, and economic progress.
The development coincided with the fourth Joint Oversight Committee meeting in Washington, D.C., attended by the two countries, the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission. The committee assessed the ongoing implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintaining momentum in the peace process, and pledged to build on the progress achieved. Acknowledging lagging progress, the committee committed to redoubling efforts, including near‑term actions to neutralize the FDLR armed group and its affiliates, advance the disengagement of forces, and lift defensive measures by Rwanda. All parties also reiterated their commitment to refrain from hostile actions or rhetoric that could undermine the agreement.
Qatar provided an update on negotiations in Doha between Kinshasa and AFC/M23, highlighting progress on key issues such as prisoner exchanges. The committee welcomed the inaugural convening of the Doha ceasefire monitoring mechanism and expressed strong support for these efforts, emphasizing the Doha process’s critical role in advancing the broader implementation of the peace agreement.
The governments of the DRC and Rwanda expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, the African Union, and Togo for their support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region. The initialing of the REIF and the progress in the peace process demonstrate a commitment to cooperation and development, and the international community will be watching closely as the agreement is implemented and the region moves toward greater stability and economic growth.
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