The United States has proposed extending its investment project into eastern DRC to encourage a peace deal with Rwanda. However, Rwanda has distanced itself from negotiations as M23 rebels gain territory. Molly Phee, the outgoing U.S. diplomat, emphasizes the need for a cooperative approach and expresses concern over the humanitarian crisis. The U.S. continues to navigate complexities in conflicted regions, aiming to foster stability and partnerships.
The United States has offered to extend its prominent African investment initiative into the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as an incentive for a peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda. However, Rwanda has reportedly retracted its commitment, as stated by Molly Phee, the outgoing U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. The proposed initiative includes expanding the Lobito railway, which aims to improve the transportation of minerals from southern DRC and Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic coast.
Phee explained that the U.S. suggested stabilizing eastern DRC and developing a connection from the Lobito Corridor through the region. Despite the U.S. efforts to provide constructive incentives, Rwanda appears to have distanced itself from the negotiations. Meanwhile, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured significant regions in eastern DRC, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis and displacing numerous individuals.
Amid the conflict, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for the dismantling of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group primarily composed of Hutu militants, although he has not acknowledged direct military involvement. Allegations have arisen from Kinshasa authorities that Rwanda is exploiting valuable mineral resources amidst the turmoil. Phee noted that the U.S. sought a cooperative solution that would include the DRC’s action against the FDLR, yet Kinshasa did not implement such measures.
Phee remarked on the shifting dynamics, stating, “We put it all back together again and then I thought we were on a good track. And then in the end, President Kagame decided not to go to the Luanda summit in December, and you’ve seen Rwanda and M23 take more territory.” Kagame has characterized recent peace initiatives, such as the Luanda summit, as insubstantial and failing to address underlying issues.
The Biden administration had intended to increase its engagement with Africa, contrasting with the approach of former President Donald Trump. However, attention has recently shifted towards global crises in Ukraine and Gaza. Molly Phee expressed pride in the U.S. mediation efforts that culminated in a ceasefire in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, but she raised concerns about subsequent actions by Ethiopian forces in Amhara and Oromia regions, describing these as overly aggressive.
Due to human rights violations during the Tigray conflict, the U.S. suspended Ethiopia’s participation in a trade agreement. Phee stated that the U.S. still desires a constructive partnership with Ethiopia, contingent upon the latter’s progress in resolving pertinent issues.
The U.S. faces additional challenges following the military coup in Niger in 2023, which threatened to increase ties with Russia and resulted in the collapse of a significant military cooperation agreement. Following her concerns regarding Niger’s uranium dealings with Iran, Phee emphasized that her comments were meant as a diplomatic offer rather than a warning, suggesting that Niger could pursue legitimate partnerships for its resources.
The diplomatic engagement of the United States in African conflicts reflects the broader themes of international relations and the complexities of regional stability. The proposed Lobito railway expansion represents a tangible effort to reinforce economic ties while addressing infrastructure needs in areas affected by conflict. The ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC highlight the intricate challenges associated with peace negotiations amid external military influences and allegations of resource exploitation. Concern over humanitarian crises in conflict zones, such as eastern DRC and Ethiopia, underscores the necessity for international diplomatic interventions. The shifting geopolitical landscape in Africa, including the increasing influence of various powers like Russia, further complicates the U.S. strategy in promoting stability and rights reforms in these regions. Molly Phee’s observations encompass not just challenges in Rwanda and the DRC but also reflect on Ethiopia and Niger as critical points of concern for the U.S. administration as it navigates a wave of instability within the continent.
In summary, the United States has proposed an infrastructure investment as a peace incentive in the DRC but faces withdrawal from Rwanda in negotiations. Ongoing issues related to the M23 rebels and the humanitarian crisis complicate regional stabilization efforts. The U.S. remains focused on its roles in Ethiopia and Niger amid geopolitical changes and humanitarian concerns. The complexities of African conflicts and the need for sincere engagement highlight the challenges that lie ahead for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
