US President Donald Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, has welcomed the launch of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism between Rwanda and the DR Congo, describing it as a critical step towards lasting peace in the region.

ALSO READ: Oversight committee on Rwanda-DR Congo peace meets for first time

The Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, is an initiative that was established under the US-brokered peace agreement signed by the two countries in Washington, D.C., on June 27.

It focuses on neutralising FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and ending any form of support to it.

The first meeting of the mechanism was held on August 7-8, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together representatives from Rwanda and DR Congo, alongside observers from the U.S., Qatar, the AU Commission, and Togo as the AU mediator’s representative.

"This week’s inaugural meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism advanced key security commitments in the Peace Agreement between the DR Congo and Rwanda,” Boulos said in a statement posted on X, on Saturday, August 9.

"The Mechanism brings DR Congo and Rwanda together to share information, coordinate security efforts, and address armed group threats. This cooperation is what will turn the Peace Agreement into lasting peace and stability for communities in the region,” he added.

ALSO READ: Senate votes Rwanda-DR Congo peace deal into law

The meeting focused on implementing the "Concept of Operations” for the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures by Rwanda.

During the session, the Permanent Members, Rwanda and DR Congo adopted terms of reference to guide future meetings and began discussions on practical steps to implement the accord.

In a joint statement, the involved countries expressed appreciation for the contributions of the AU, the U.S., and Qatar as partners in advancing a peaceful resolution.