At a House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee hearing on January 22, Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) addressed the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The hearing, titled “Advancing Peace in DRC and Rwanda through President Trump’s Washington Accords,” marked Smith’s fourteenth session focused solely on issues in the DRC and Rwanda.
Smith highlighted his long-term involvement in efforts to promote peace between the two countries. He referenced his work dating back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and described recent developments as significant progress. “This skillfully and brilliantly brokered peace deal signified a new era in the region, one where peace through strength is brought to bear to end the lengthy, bloody, and costly conflict,” Smith said.
He noted that bringing both parties together for negotiations was unprecedented. According to Smith, “The deals agreed to will secure extraordinary benefits for the DRC, Rwanda, and the United States.” He emphasized that it is important for all sides to uphold their commitments made during the signing of the Washington Accords last December. “Ensuring that all sides follow through on the commitments made at the signing in December is not only in the U.S. national interest, but for the millions of people who suffer in the war, for future generations of Congolese and Rwandan children, and for the memory of the six million dead from this decades long conflict—a human toll that is both staggering and intolerable.”
Smith also discussed past hearings he chaired on political crises and violence in both countries. He expressed disappointment with previous international responses: “Regrettably, each hearing has revealed that the international and U.S. response has been half-hearted and indifferent, especially in the face of such violence, tragedy, and suffering.”
He stated that under President Trump’s administration there has been a stronger commitment to addressing these issues: “Today, things are changing, and under President Trump and his cabinet’s leadership, the response is strong, sustained, and durable.”
The Regional Economic Integration Framework outlined by Smith requires DRC and Rwanda to develop a roadmap for economic integration covering sectors such as mineral supply chains, infrastructure development, energy production, tourism promotion—measures intended to support peace through shared prosperity.
Smith explained how a Strategic Partnership Agreement links economic reforms with security cooperation involving critical minerals governance—addressing concerns about child labor by ensuring transparency throughout mining supply chains: “full supply chain transparency, due diligence, and traceability; and adhere[nce] to internationally recognized standards to ensure responsible mining and sourcing.”
He further detailed a four-phase operational plan requiring coordinated actions from both countries regarding troop withdrawals by Rwanda if DRC acts against FDLR militia groups.
Reflecting on past remarks from 1998 regarding regional dynamics after genocide-related events—and more recent developments—Smith observed ongoing challenges: “Decades later…the presence of FDLR…continue[s] to be [a] primary national security concern…But…we have good reason to believe that known areas of FDLR combatants are under M23 and Rwandan control…”
He pointed out complexities involving various armed groups operating with support or coordination from different governments while referencing punitive measures taken against companies accused of financing armed groups via mineral trade routes.
In 2023 testimony he stated: “From cobalt to cars…the entire supply chain is built on violence… We must break our dependence on minerals that finance [the] Chinese Communist Party…”
Smith concluded by reiterating hopes for lasting peace: “…this is time now to find a way to bring an end to suffering…I say again this is time focus on benefits peace.”
Chris Smith currently serves as representative for New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981. Born in Rahway in 1953—and residing today in Manchester Township—he graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree.
