The Rwandan delegation in Washington DC this week was ready to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), which benefits both our countries and the region. We are puzzled by the DRC's last-minute decision not to sign the agreement, given the positive atmosphere of the negotiations during which the text of the REIF was finalized, and the diligent mediation work of Senior Advisor Massad Boulos and the State Department.
On the Peace Agreement, specifically the neutralization of the DRC-backed FDLR and Rwanda lifting defensive measures accordingly, the DRC had refused to proceed until specific actions agreed this past Wednesday during the Joint Oversight Committee meeting, as outlined in the communiqué.
state.gov/releases/office-of…
Rwanda believes in the peace agreement and in the approach of the US mediation, and hope that the REIF will eventually be signed. The peace process must succeed. It is the best chance for stability and economic
development for our region.