The move follows Rwandas ratification of an agreement with DR Congo

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have taken an initial step toward implementing a bilateral peace agreement signed in Washington on June 27.

The development was confirmed by Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday in an official statement reporting on the convention of the first session of a joint oversight committee.

The meeting brought together representatives from both countries and included observers from the US, Qatar, Togo (serving as facilitator on behalf of the African Union), and the African Union Commission.

Congolese officials have long accused Rwanda of backing militant groups in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo and expropriating resources. Tensions escalated earlier this year, after M23 militants DR Congo claims are being supported by Rwanda seized mining hubs, including Goma and Bukavu, reportedly killing thousands of people. Despite UN and international backing for Kinshasa's claims, Kigali has repeatedly denied the accusations and stated its forces are deployed along the border with DR Congo to defend against the Congolese army and ethnic Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.

The agreement signed in June envisaged the withdrawal of Rwandan troops within 90 days; the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days; and a plan to verify the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers over a three-month period.

The US president's senior Africa adviser, Massad Boulos, told reporters on Wednesday that the process remained on schedule, despite concerns of delays. He stated that if one considered the timeline of developments since April, the progress had been "extensive, and it's been very much on point," stressing that "it's not off track in any way."

On Tuesday, Rwanda's Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed the law approving the ratification of the Washington peace agreement.

"It represents a significant step towards restoring peace, security and confidence between Rwanda and the DRC," Rwandan foreign minister Nduhungirehe Olivier stated.

(RT.com)