Kigali, Kinshasa agree on de-escalation measures
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda agreed on "concrete steps" to accelerate the implementation of the Washington peace agreement, following a meeting held on March 17 and 18 in the US capital, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday.
The two parties agreed on a series of coordinated actions aimed at "defusing tensions" and "advancing the situation on the ground".
These measures include a mutual commitment to respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the planned disengagement of Rwandan forces and the lifting of defensive measures in parts of eastern Congo, as well as Kinshasa's strengthened and time-limited efforts to neutralize FDLR rebels.
Congo and Rwanda reiterated their commitment to lasting peace in the Great Lakes region under the Washington Accords.
The announcement comes on the backdrop of persistent tensions in eastern Congo.
