Geneva Talks: A Critical Test for Rwanda-DRC Peace Process

Setting the Stage

I've been following the developments in the Great Lakes region for some time now, and the latest round of talks in Geneva marks a pivotal moment for the 2025 Washington Accords between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These negotiations come at a crucial juncture—just days before they're due to convene on September 16 and 17—with both sides still grappling with outstanding commitments and mounting tensions in the eastern DRC.

The Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), established under the Washington Accords, is meant to be the mechanism for monitoring and coordinating security measures between the two nations. This time around, representatives from both countries are joined by mediators from the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission—clearly signaling international commitment to seeing this peace process through.

Yet despite these high-level efforts, the ground reality on the ground tells a different story. Fighting continues across North and South Kivu provinces, with the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) engaged in ongoing clashes with the M23 armed group—a conflict that has plagued the region for years.

"The Washington Accords reaffirm the parties' commitment to implement the Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda...and achieve a vision of regional economic integration," said a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State.

While that language sounds promising, what's happening in the field suggests that translation into meaningful action remains elusive. What we're witnessing is not just political posturing but a genuine humanitarian crisis, one that could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and development.

The Core Disputes

At the heart of the conflict lies the issue of neutralizing the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). This group, formed from remnants of Hutu militias following the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, has been a persistent source of tension in eastern DRC. According to Kinshasa, parts of the FDLR have agreed to disarm and cantonment—a move it sees as progress toward fulfilling its obligations under the peace agreement.

Rwanda, however, disputes this narrative. It insists that any negotiation with the FDLR undermines the core principles of the Washington Accords, which demand full neutralization rather than compromise. For Rwanda, continued support from Kinshasa is seen as a direct threat to national security—a concern rooted in historical experience.

This disagreement isn't merely about semantics; it has real consequences for how the peace process unfolds. The DRC's failure to fully implement its part of the agreement—particularly with regard to FDLR neutralization—is directly linked to Rwanda's own commitment to lift its defensive measures along the border. As such, resolution on one front is tied to progress on the other.

Meanwhile, the M23 group remains a wildcard in the equation. Although not a signatory to the Washington Accords, its actions have a direct impact on peace efforts. In fact, the conflict has escalated significantly over the past year, including the capture of Goma and Bukavu in 2025—major cities that underscore just how destabilizing this group remains.

What Lies Ahead?

These Geneva talks must not be viewed as mere procedural exercises. They represent a critical opportunity to address long-standing grievances and set a precedent for cooperation between two neighbors who have often found themselves at odds over territorial control and influence. The fact that both sides are returning to Geneva indicates there's still room for diplomatic engagement, even if progress feels slow.

What's more, we've seen earlier stages of this process yield some momentum. At the previous JSCM meeting in August, both parties agreed to advance two monitoring initiatives and laid out plans for a trilateral planning conference in October. These developments are encouraging but only represent small steps toward resolving deeper structural issues.

The challenge now lies in turning those commitments into concrete outcomes. The DRC's Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) plan for the FDLR must be transparent, verifiable, and enforceable—something that will require robust international oversight and sustained commitment from all parties involved.

On the Rwandan side, lifting its defensive measures along the border cannot happen without clear assurances about the FDLR's status. Until then, the current state of affairs—where security concerns persist on both sides—will continue to undermine trust in the peace process.

A Regional Security Puzzle

The Rwanda-DRC conflict is more than just a bilateral issue—it reflects broader regional instability that extends beyond Central Africa. Neighboring countries like Uganda and Burundi have also been drawn into various proxy conflicts, making this region particularly volatile.

It's worth noting that the U.S.-backed Washington Accords were designed not only to bring peace but also to foster economic integration across the region. But without lasting political and security stability, such economic ambitions remain distant dreams. The burden of implementing these agreements falls squarely on both governments—and their international partners.

Looking ahead, there is a window for meaningful breakthroughs during these Geneva talks. If both parties are willing to take measured steps toward resolution—especially around the FDLR and M23—then perhaps this process can evolve from one of confrontation into one of cooperation. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential reward: a region that's finally able to move beyond decades of war and toward sustainable development.

In my view, the international community must remain engaged—not just with the rhetoric, but with real mechanisms for accountability and enforcement. If this peace process fails, it could set back regional diplomacy for years to come. But if it succeeds, it may serve as a model for resolving other longstanding conflicts in Africa.