Overview
- Officials issued a joint statement committing to time-bound, coordinated measures to reduce tensions and support each country's sovereignty.
- Rwanda agreed to a scheduled disengagement in defined areas of Congolese territory, including lifting declared defensive measures.
- Congo committed to intensified, time-bound operations to neutralize the FDLR and to the protection of civilians.
- The talks were the first encounter between the parties since March 2, when the U.S. sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers.
- Washington blames Rwandan backing of M23 for continued violence—an allegation Kigali denies—as the rebels retain territory after last year's advance, including a brief entry into Uvira before a U.S.-pressed withdrawal.