JOINT COMMUNIQUE OF THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY MEETING BETWEEN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

Held in Kigali, from 12 to 14 February 2021

1. Following the strategic guidance given to the defense and security organs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda by the Heads of State of the two countries to cooperate and coordinate in the fight against common security threats, a high-level bilateral meeting between theDRC and Rwanda was held in Kigali, from 12th to 14th February 2021.

2. The DRC delegation was led by HE François BEYA Kasonga, Special Presidential Adviser on Security Matters while that of Rwanda was led by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Jean Bosco KAZURA. The meeting was attended by the military and intelligence chiefs of both countries.

3. This meeting followed the visit of the high-level Rwandan delegation to Kinshasa on 19 January 2021 and is in line with the decisions of the virtual mini-summit in Goma that convened on 07 October 2020, by H.E President Félix Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO and attended among other Heads of State, by H.E Paul KAGAME. During this mini-summit, the Heads of State decided to strengthen peace and security for regional development. This meeting is also a demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the two Heads of State to restore peace in eastern DRC and in the region.

4. The meeting came up with a series of recommendations and a plan of action for their expeditious implementation.

Done in Kigali, on the 14th of February 2021