Thursday, April 17, 2025
The Editorial Staff
US to Rwanda: Withdraw from Congo, Mining Talks with DRC Moving Forward
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa, U.S. Department of State and Corina Sanders
The United States has made its position on Rwanda clear once again: stop backing M23 rebels and pull out of Congo. At the same time, it is pushing forward with a minerals deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to boost American investment and peace efforts in the region.
During a press briefing, Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa at the US State Department, said:
"We reiterate our position: Rwanda must cease all military support to the M23 and withdraw all Rwandan troops from DRC territory."
Boulos added he was "confident" that a solution would be found quickly between the parties involved. His words follow the recent withdrawal of M23 rebels from Walikale, which he welcomed as a positive result from diplomatic talks.
READ ALSO | Kagame’s Exposed: Balkanizing Congo Through Katumbi’s Federalism Plot
Boulos also revealed that the US is working directly with President Félix Tshisekedi to seal a new minerals partnership that will open up investment opportunities for US companies.
"In Kinshasa, President Tshisekedi and I discussed a minerals agreement and outlined a path forward," Boulos stated."Strengthening US private sector investment in the DRC, particularly in the mining sector, is a shared objective. It’s a win-win."
The US is also backing strategic infrastructure projects, including the Lobito Corridor, which connects Angola, Zambia, and the DRC to the Atlantic Ocean, making it easier to transport natural resources.
"The United States supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, not just one," Boulos added in a thinly veiled jab at Rwanda’s actions.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Corina Sanders backed Boulos, saying that the trip’s goal was both peace and investment.
"The mission was very productive," she said."The United States is developing its own strategy to see what is acceptable to all parties in the region."
Boulos also confirmed that the US delegation helped secure the transfer of American citizens detained in the DRC, following incidents that occurred on May 19, 2024.
READ ALSO | Lobito Corridor Gets $6B Boost: Rail, Roads, and Clean Energy for Congo
The visit to DRC, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda (April 2–9) shows the Trump administration is serious about engaging more in Africa, but with a new strategy that links security and business together.
This includes:
Sanctioning those who destabilize Congo
Rewarding countries like the DRC ready for fair mining partnerships
Using projects like the Lobito Corridor to shift Africa’s trade westward
