DRC / Washington Agreement: When Kinshasa and Kigali begin neutralizing the FDLR and withdrawing troops on October 1
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda announced on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the entry into force, starting October 1, of the first security measures from the peace agreement signed in Washington under U.S. mediation. This decision marks a significant step forward in the implementation of a process long considered fragile and hampered by administrative and operational delays.
According to sources close to the matter, Kinshasa and Kigali have committed to carrying out all provisions by the end of the year. Between October 21 and 31, joint operations are scheduled to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in eastern DRC, while initiating the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan troops. For the first time, a clear operational timetable has been set to guide implementation.
The peace agreement was signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington by the foreign ministers of both countries, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The initiative aimed not only to restore stability in the Great Lakes region but also to create a favorable climate for Western investments in an area rich in strategic resources such as cobalt, copper, tantalum, gold, and lithium.
The text required Rwanda to lift certain defensive measures within 90 days. However, this period only began after the inaugural meeting of the joint security coordination mechanism, held in early August. The following meeting, on September 17–18, enabled delegations to adopt an operational order and share intelligence, thereby establishing a common understanding of the security situation and a gradual roadmap.
The neutralization of the FDLR, the disengagement of troops, and the lifting of Kigali’s defensive measures form the three pillars of this plan. By launching these measures, Kinshasa and Kigali intend to demonstrate their commitment to giving life to a long-awaited agreement, as the international community closely monitors the progress of this crucial process for regional peace and stability.
