Washington Must Get Tough on Kinshasa To Bring Peace to Congo | Opinion
Summary
Nearly a year after the U.S.-supported peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda, peace in the Great Lakes region remains uncertain. The U.S. has taken strong actions against Rwanda and its allies for military aggression, while encouraging Congo through strategic partnerships, but Congo has not fully complied with peace efforts.Key Facts
- A peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda was signed with U.S. support nearly a year ago.
- Rwanda supported a military offensive by the M23 group to capture a city in Congo during peace talks.
- The U.S. responded with sanctions and visa restrictions on Rwanda and imposed sanctions on ex-Congolese President Joseph Kabila for backing M23.
- The Rwandan army is one of the few African armies sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department.
- Congo signed a strategic partnership with the U.S. giving American firms access to Congo’s mineral resources and improving transportation routes.
- Congo has agreed to take in U.S. deportees from Latin America and possibly the Middle East.
- Despite these agreements, Congo’s army continues attacking M23 and supporting armed militias, some of which are linked to past extremist violence.
- The continued funding of militias by Congo undermines peace efforts and may weaken the U.S.-brokered peace deal.
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