The security updates from Kinshasa and Kigali come as international mediators push for immediate, practical steps to halt the escalating regional conflict.

The high-stakes diplomatic session convened in United Kingdom, was mediated by a coalition including the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (acting as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission.

The committee “expressed serious concern over the escalating fighting, the impact of drone strikes on civilians and the peace process, and the deepening humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, including the ongoing Ebola outbreak.”

Driven by the threats of battlefield hostilities and disease, regional leaders “agreed on the urgent need for actions that make the ceasefire effective.”

To solidify the security updates presented during the talks, both African nations formalized list of operational pledges.

According to the official joint statement, the DRC and Rwanda committed to:

“Implement fully the Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda signed on June 27, 2025, including with regard to drone strikes;”

They also pledged to:

“De-escalate tensions immediately, especially around Minembwe, and to use their respective influence with all parties on the ground to achieve this aim;”

To ensure independent oversight of these security updates, the neighboring states agreed to:

“Seek the adjustment of the terms of reference of the EJVM+ to encompass verification of commitments under the Washington Accords;”

Furthermore, they vowed to:

“Support the swift deployment of the EJVM+ to undertake its first verification mission, urging all actors on the ground to support this initiative;”

To prevent interference with monitoring teams, both governments promised to:

“Create political and security conditions conducive for joint verification processes;”

On the military intelligence front, commanders will:

“Work through the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) to exchange intelligence and reach a shared understanding of next steps on operations to implement the Washington Accords;”

The joint statement noted that the next high-level meeting of the JSCM will take place within the next 15 days to execute these operational next steps.

Additionally, both parties agreed to:

“Lend full support to bring a successful conclusion to the negotiations underway between the DRC and AFC/M23 in the Doha process;”

Finally, to safeguard the diplomatic momentum from political sabotage, they committed to:

“Build trust, including by refraining from hostile actions or rhetoric, particularly political attacks or language that would undermine or complicate the full implementation of the Washington Accords, including in international fora.”