President Donald Trump’s Senior Advisor on Arab, Middle Eastern, and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, expressed optimism that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda would finally have a lasting peace.

In a statement, Boulos indicated that the two nations held the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism for the peace agreement between August 7 and 8, 2025.

The Joint Security Coordination Mechanism is responsible for the implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Harmonised Plan for the Neutralisation of the FDLR and Disengagement of Forces.

According to Trump’s advisor, the new mechanism will allow the two nations to share intelligence that would help expose rebel groups.

He backed the mechanism to help find a lasting peace, especially in the eastern part of the DRC.

“This week’s inaugural meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism advanced key security commitments in the Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda,” Boulus’ statement read in part.

“The Mechanism brings DRC and Rwanda together to share information, coordinate security efforts, and address armed group threats. This cooperation is what will turn the Peace Agreement into lasting peace and stability for communities in the region,” it added.

Ruto hosting joint EAC-SADC meeting

The development came days after President William Ruto held a joint meeting of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ruto, in his role as the current EAC Chairperson, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, who chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The high-level gathering was a concerted push to harmonise peace efforts and bring stability to the volatile eastern DRC region.

The Summit endorsed the merger of EAC, SADC and AU peace structures into one joint mechanism and adopted key frameworks to guide inclusive mediation.

It was decided that the AU would coordinate and ensure alignment of all regional and international efforts under an African-led process.