The conflict in eastern DRC has persisted for nearly three decades. Tensions escalated between Rwanda and DRC, with the latter accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in its fight against the Congolese armyâ€"an allegation that Kigali has vehemently denied.
Rwanda, in turn, accuses DRC of collaborating with the FDLR terrorist group, which is composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and has launched multiple attacks on Rwandan soil over the years.
The peace process took a step forward when DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and President Kagame met in Doha on March 18 to discuss potential solutions.
After his meeting with President Kagame, Massad outlined the vision for a closer partnership, emphasizing regional stability, peace, and economic development.
'We support the security and territorial integrity of all states in this region. There are many American companies already invested in Rwanda. The government of Rwanda has a vision of being an economic leader and has a society ready to drive this vision forward,' he noted.
'We are ready to work with Rwanda to achieve this goal, which is why finding a resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC is so essential as it will unlock the region's untapped potential. During our discussions, President Kagame committed to pursuing this vision of peace,' Massad added.
Massad also reiterated the United States' commitment to resolving the crisis in eastern DRC.
'I can confirm and I can affirm that the United States also remains committed to this effort and is ready to facilitate an end to the conflict, obviously a peaceful end to this conflict, an end that allows countries to secure their borders and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy,' he stated.
'[...] This particular conflict in question has gone on for close to three decades. It's about time to see an end, a peaceful end to it. The people of this region, of the Great Lakes, of DRC, of Rwanda, of the Great Lakes generally deserve better. We've lost, we've seen the losses of hundreds of thousands of lives, millions of displaced, and people have suffered for too long. It's about time to end it,' he concluded.
Boulos's visit to Kigali follows his discussions with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of DRC, William Ruto of Kenya, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda as part of his diplomatic mission to Africa.
Théophile Niyitegeka
