DR Congo and Rwanda’s first full text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework, according to the US

Representatives from the governments of Rwanda and Congo “initiated the full text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) on Friday, November 7, under the direction of US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos and US Under Secretary Allison Hooker, in a significant step forward.”

According to a related media note from the US State Department, the REIF highlights important areas for promoting economic cooperation and development between the two countries, showcasing the real advantages of peace and generating investment and growth opportunities that directly benefit the people in the region.

The media notice states, “Its implementation remains contingent upon the satisfactory execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Operational Order (OPORD) under the Peace Agreement, underscoring the imperative link between peace, stability, and economic progress.”

Reaffirming a shared commitment to keeping the peace process moving forward and building on the progress made, DR Congo, Rwanda, the United States, Qatar, Togo, acting as the AU mediator, and the AU Commission met Friday in Washington, D.C., for the fourth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee to evaluate the ongoing implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement. On X, Boulos posted.

Progress is lagging.

In addition, the US State Department states: “The Committee committed to doubling efforts to implement the Washington Peace Agreement and acknowledged lagging progress.” Adopting an implementing agreement, reviewing military operations preparations in a designated area of interest, and acknowledging the efforts of both Parties to translate their obligations into concrete actions on the ground, the Parties agreed on specific near-term actions in line with their respective obligations to neutralize the FDLR armed group and its associated groups and advance Rwanda’s disengagement of forces and lifting of defensive measures.

“The Parties reaffirmed their commitment to abstain from hostile actions or rhetoric, inclusive of international fora, particularly political attacks or language that would undermine or complicate the full implementation of the Peace Agreement.”

As previously mentioned, the State of Qatar gave an update on the ongoing Kinshasa-AFC/M23 negotiations in Doha, emphasizing advancements on important matters including prisoner swaps. The Committee highlighted the importance of the Doha process in furthering the wider implementation of the Peace Agreement, strongly supported these efforts, and welcomed the first meeting of the Doha ceasefire monitoring mechanism on November 5.

The Parties reaffirmed their resolve to keeping the peace process moving forward and building on the advancements made thus far. For their unwavering assistance in promoting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the larger Great Lakes area, the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda sent their appreciation to the United States, Qatar, the African Union, and Togo.