Rwanda, DR Congo agree to economic integration pact amid peace negotiations

​​​​​​​By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo initialed a regional economic integration framework (REIF) to strengthen cooperation and translate the benefits of peace into concrete development, the two countries said in a statement Saturday.

“The REIF outlines key areas for fostering economic cooperation and development between the two nations, demonstrating the tangible benefits of peace and creating opportunities for investment and growth that directly benefit people in the region,” a joint statement released by Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry said after a meeting Friday in Washington of a joint oversight committee.

The implementation of the framework remains contingent upon the satisfactory execution of terms of a previous agreement, according to the statement, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo and neutralizing Rwandan rebels based in Congo, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), it said.

The committee convened to assess the implementation of the peace agreement signed last June under US mediation.

The pact was initiated under the monitoring of the US Under Secretary and the senior advisor for Africa.

According to the statement, the committee acknowledged the delay in the implementation of the peace agreement and pledged to redouble its efforts.

The parties agreed on immediate actions to neutralize FDLR militia and its associated groups, advance the disengagement of forces and the lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda.

“The parties reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from hostile actions or rhetoric, particularly political attacks that could undermine full implementation of the peace agreement,” it added.

Qatar presented updates on the state of negotiations in Doha between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebels, particularly on prisoner exchanges, during the meeting.

The committee expressed support for the Doha process, emphasizing its critical role in the peace process.

The Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers signed a peace deal June 27 that was brokered by the US to put an end to the conflict in eastern Congo.