MWE Correspondent
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have announced they will begin carrying out long-delayed security measures in October 2025, marking what could be a pivotal step toward restoring peace in a region scarred by decades of conflict.
The two countries confirmed the move in a joint statement released on Wednesday, saying that the measures are part of a peace agreement signed earlier this year in Washington with the backing of the United States, the African Union, Qatar, and Togo. The deal, sealed in June, was widely seen as a breakthrough after years of failed negotiations.
According to the new timetable, security operations against the FDLR — a militia blamed for destabilizing the region — will begin between October 21 and 31. At the same time, Rwandan troops stationed in eastern Congo are expected to start pulling back, with the aim of completing the withdrawal before the end of the year. Officials also pledged to activate a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism to monitor the process and share intelligence across both sides.
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While the plan offers hope, uncertainty still hangs over its implementation. Past attempts at ceasefires and security arrangements have stumbled, often collapsing under mistrust and accusations. Kinshasa has long demanded that Kigali withdraw its forces and end alleged support for the M23 rebel group, charges Rwanda denies. For many in eastern Congo, where communities continue to live under the shadow of armed groups, the question is whether this deal will truly bring safety on the ground.
Analysts say the involvement of Washington and regional actors gives the agreement more weight, but challenges remain. The region has seen repeated cycles of promises followed by renewed fighting. This time, both countries face growing pressure from international partners to show tangible progress, not just political declarations.
For residents, hope is mixed with caution. “We’ve heard these announcements before,” said one civil society leader from Goma. “What matters now is whether the guns will actually fall silent and people can live without fear.”
