DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi met with U.S. Special Envoy Ronny Jackson, a member of the American Congress, on Sunday to discuss the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to a statement, the talks centered on the the conflict in the east where M23 rebels have captured towns, a rebellion Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of backing.
Following the meeting, Jackson, who also serves on several congressional committees, including those on armaments, intelligence, and foreign relations, promised the U.S. commitment to DRC’s sovereignty.
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected by all,” he said, assuring that Washington would work to eliminate obstacles hindering peace in the country.
Discussions also included potential U.S. investments in the DRC’s vast mineral sector, a strategic area of interest given the country’s rich reserves of critical minerals essential for global technology and energy industries.
The U.S. envoy also emphasized the importance of stability in fostering economic development, expressing the hope that American companies could invest in the DRC under peaceful conditions. “We want to work so that American companies can come and invest and work in the DRC. And for that to happen, we must ensure that there is an environment of peace,” Jackson remarked.
A couple of weeks ago, Tshisekedi reportedly gave Washington an offer to mine the country’s minerals in exchange for pacifying the eastern part of the country.
