Washington is increasing pressure on Rwanda as the peace agreement for eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, faces difficulties in implementation.
Six weeks after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed the Washington Accords, U.S. lawmakers from both parties are considering sanctions due to ongoing violence at the border.
Vice President J.D. Vance has become involved in a minerals-for-security deal that has yet to yield results, according to several sources.
At a January 22 hearing, Congressman Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Africa and representative for New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981, said: “I will look to do country-specific legislation to help the president get adherence to what they’ve agreed to. I can’t say it enough: When you sign something, you put your honour on the line.”
In a follow-up interview with The Africa Report, Smith stated: “We have a co-responsibility along with the White House. They can’t do everything. We’ve got to hold people to account.” When asked if this could apply to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Smith responded: “Yeah. That’s why I asked about spheres of influence.”
Sara Jacobs of California, Smith’s Democratic counterpart on the panel, expressed similar views during the hearing: “I urge the Trump Administration to make good on its promises to hold Rwanda and other spoilers to peace accountable.” She added: “I also urge the Administration to actually include civil society in the peace process so that it has real buy-in with local populations and actually sticks.” Jacobs further noted: “We also need to better consult local populations on the various commercial deals in progress with the government of DRC to ensure any investments actually benefit the Congolese people, not just foreign companies and elites.”
The high level of interest was evident at the hearing attended by Congolese journalists and embassy officials from both countries.
President Tshisekedi is expected in Washington next week for meetings aimed at increasing U.S. pressure on Rwanda regarding support for M23 rebels.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated: “Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC are a clear violation of the Washington Accords signed by President Trump, and the United States will take action to ensure promises made to the president are kept.”
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Africa Sarah Troutman told lawmakers last week: “We continue to hold all options on the table to incentivise changed behaviour and incentivise Rwanda to comply with its obligations under the Washington Accords.”
Vice President Vance has taken a more active role as Trump’s senior adviser Massad Boulos shifts focus elsewhere.
Rwanda is not alone in facing criticism. The Mahoro Peace Association sent a brief before the hearing outlining renewed attacks against Banyamulenge minorities after CRA/M23 rebel withdrawal. Douglas Kabunda, president of Mahoro Peace Association, said: “The [CRA/M23] withdrawal occurred without the establishment of a neutral or effective civilian-protection mechanism, leaving Banyamulenge and Tutsi minority…exposed,” adding that Congolese armed forces’ entry led to displacement and human rights abuses.
Kabunda argued that Tshisekedi’s government is failing its duty towards all citizens which may encourage external intervention: “The root cause of conflict is not being addressed in this agreement,” he said. “The Banyamulenge are being sidelined for economic gain.”
Michael Rubin from American Enterprise Institute wrote that ending anti-Tutsi incitement is necessary for peace in Congo.
Chris Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953; he graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree in 1975 and currently lives in Manchester Township.
More details can be found at https://www.theafricareport.com/406835/congress-talks-rwanda-sanctions-as-vp-vance-seizes-congo-file/
