The move came on November 7, 2025, at the fourth Joint Oversight Committee meeting in Washington, where delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda initialed the full text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF).

The committee, co-convened by the United States with Qatar, Togo and the African Union Commission, reviewed implementation of a peace agreement first signed at the White House on June 27, 2025.

Framework Links Peace To Investment

The REIF outlines priority areas for economic cooperation, including mineral-revenue sharing, new road and rail links, and a proposed $760 million hydroelectric project, sources said.

U.S. officials describe it as a way to deliver “tangible benefits of peace” and spur growth in the Great Lakes region, rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium—resources Washington hopes to draw Western investment to once security improves.

A joint statement by the United States, Congo, Rwanda, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union confirmed that technical teams finalized the REIF, with senior leaders set to sign it at a later White House ceremony. The visit’s date remains uncertain after an expected November 13 meeting failed to materialize.

Security Steps Remain Precondition

Implementation of the economic framework is tied to security progress under the Washington deal. The statement said the REIF will take effect only after “satisfactory execution” of the CONOPS and OPORD, detailing Rwandan withdrawal from eastern Congo and FDLR neutralization.

Under a 2024 accord referenced in the June 2025 deal, Rwanda must lift defensive measures within 90 days, while Congo completes FDLR operations in the same period.

The FDLR, comprising remnants of Rwanda’s former army and 1994 genocide militias, remains central to Kinshasa’s push for lasting security before economic opening.

Deadlines Missed, Pressure Mounts

Despite the June Oval Office signing, progress on the integration framework stalled in October amid Congolese frustration over slow security implementation.

Rwanda denied supporting M23, accusing Congo of collaborating with militias tied to the 1994 genocide, while a September U.N. report said M23 kept expanding despite the accord.

The committee noted “lagging progress” but said the sides agreed on near-term steps to neutralize the FDLR, disengage forces, and lift Rwandan defenses in a set zone, adopting an implementing accord and urging restraint in rhetoric.

Doha Track And Regional Mediators

Qatar updated the oversight committee on its Doha talks between Congo and the AFC/M23 coalition, noting progress on prisoner exchanges. The parties welcomed the November 5 launch of the Doha ceasefire monitoring mechanism as key to implementing the Washington agreement.

Togo, as AU mediator, and the AU Commission reaffirmed support for the U.S.-led process, calling the REIF and security roadmap complementary. The Congolese and Rwandan delegations thanked partners and pledged to sustain progress on commitments.