At a recent House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee hearing, Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) discussed ongoing efforts to advance peace 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 – Part II,” marked the fifteenth time Smith has chaired a session focused exclusively on these two countries.
Smith noted his involvement in supporting peace in the region spans more than three decades, referencing both the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and current diplomatic efforts. He said, “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.”
He highlighted that bringing both parties together for negotiations was unprecedented: “Bringing both parties to negotiate at the same table was historic in itself—the first time in modern history where such progress has been made on this conflict. Yet, the deals that have been agreed to, and the economic and security benefits they will unleash for the DRC, Rwanda, and the United States, are extraordinary.”
Smith stressed that following through on commitments made during December’s signing of the Washington Accords is crucial for millions affected by years of war. “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 above all, for the millions of people who have suffered and continue to suffer in the war. This is for the present and future generations of Congolese and Rwandan children, and for the memories of the six million dead from this decades-long conflict, a human toll that is both staggering and intolerable.”
He referenced a recent attack in Kisangani as evidence of ongoing threats to stability: “The urgency of this mission was brought home to us with devastating clarity just days ago. The cowardly attack in Kisangani serves as a grim reminder that peace has enemies. This violence…was a calculated attempt by spoilers to shatter the hope generated by these Accords. It underscores exactly why this hearing is necessary.”
Smith criticized past international responses as insufficient but credited current leadership with strengthening engagement: “Regrettably, past hearings have revealed that the international and U.S. response has often been half-hearted and indifferent…Today things are changing; under President Trump and his cabinet’s leadership, the response is strong, sustained, and durable.”
The chairman explained that incentives outlined in a Regional Economic Integration Framework require both nations to develop plans for cooperation across sectors like mineral supply chains and infrastructure.
A key provision of the Washington Accords involves a four-phase plan tied to security concerns. Smith stated: “Critically, the Washington Accords include a four-phase ‘concept of operations’ that both parties agreed to…While FDLR’s genocidal ideology continues to be Rwanda’s primary national security concern, we also expect M23 and Rwanda to take measures to demobilize combatants under their control.”
Smith emphasized civil society’s role: “Durable peace cannot be built by governments alone. It requires moral authority and ground-level engagement of civil society…” He cited organizations such as CENCO (National Episcopal Conference of Congo) and ECC (Church of Christ in Congo), noting their involvement during past crises.
He also mentioned meeting with religious leaders earlier that day about launching an inclusive national dialogue with support from regional partners.
Addressing broader geopolitical concerns around minerals used by American industries—often sourced from conflict regions—Smith described efforts underway to reduce reliance on resources linked with forced labor or Chinese state interests. He pointed out President Trump’s executive order aimed at increasing domestic mineral production.
To further address supply chain issues related to cobalt extraction—a sector associated with child labor—Smith referenced legislation he reintroduced: “In response to these challenges I reintroduced HR 2310, COBALT Supply Chain Act…” The act would restrict goods containing cobalt refined in China from entering U.S. markets due to concerns over labor practices.
Chris Smith currently represents New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress after succeeding Frank Thompson in 1981; he has served continuously since then (https://chrissmith.house.gov/biography/). Born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953, Smith resides today in Manchester Township (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000522). He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree.
“The Washington Accords is a culminating event designed to end suffering and war,” Smith concluded.
