Representatives from Kinshasa and Kigali were present at the meeting, along with U.S., Qatari, and Togolese observers, the latter serving as facilitators for the African Union, Radio Okapi reported, citing a statement from the U.S. State Department.

The establishment of this body and the holding of this meeting are in accordance with the provisions of the peace agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on June 27, which gave the parties 30 days to meet and establish the meeting as a first step toward implementing the agreement.

“The JOC’s mission is to serve as a forum for the implementation of the peace agreement and the resolution of disputes. It is responsible for receiving complaints about violations of the agreement, taking appropriate measures to address such breaches, and resolving disputes amicably,” Radio Okapi stated.

At the body’s first meeting, the parties selected the chairs of their committees, adopted the terms of reference that will govern future meetings, analyzed progress in the implementation of the agreement, and prepared for the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism.

During the meeting, the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation for the contributions and joint efforts of the African Union, the United States, and Qatar as partners in the search for a peaceful solution, Actualite.CD reported.

The signed peace agreement provides for respect for the territorial integrity of both countries, a cessation of hostilities between their armies, and a mutual commitment to cease supporting armed groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and the Alliance du Rive Congo-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).

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