Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, will lead a congressional hearing on Thursday, January 22, focusing on the ongoing conflict and human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This marks Smith’s fourteenth hearing dedicated exclusively to these countries.
The session follows President Trump’s peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed on December 4, 2025. The hearing aims to review how the United States will help oversee this process and ensure that the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity are implemented effectively to foster stability and economic growth in the region.
According to Rep. Smith’s office, “This hearing will examine the United States’ role in overseeing the peace process and how the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity will function to achieve lasting peace, stability, and wealth in the war-torn region.”
The event is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Witnesses include Ms. Sarah Troutman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000522). He was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and currently resides in Manchester Township. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.
Other members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Africa Subcommittee are also expected to attend alongside additional witnesses.
