Olszewski, Jacobs Lead Letter On U.S. Role in Peace Negotiations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), both members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, are requesting clarity from the Administration on the U.S. role in the peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The lawmakers sent a letter to Massad Boulos, the State Department Senior Advisor for Africa, who is leading U.S. negotiations between the U.S. and the DRC on a potential critical minerals deal, as well as a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.

Olszewski and Jacobs were joined by Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), all of whom serve on the Africa Subcommittee. The members expressed concern regarding the lack of specifics included in the Declaration of Principles signed last month by foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened the signing.

The Declaration outlined a pathway to promote peace, economic integration, and U.S. investment in both countries – potentially for critical minerals. However, the Declaration contained no details on how negotiations will promote responsible mining practices and included no commitments to resume U.S. humanitarian and global health assistance to conflict-affected regions in the DRC.

“If we are serious about building sustainable growth and addressing exploitation in the region, we need to address the drivers of the conflict. These include weak governance, corruption, impunity, tensions over access to land, discrimination along ethnic lines, and lack of economic opportunity,” the lawmakers wrote. “Upholding responsible mining practices and restoring humanitarian assistance are just two of many essential steps toward achieving these goals.

As you continue to engage with the DRC and Rwandan governments during the peace process, we urge that any finalized U.S. investment or resources agreements come with adherence to the highest social, governance, and environmental standards.”

The lawmakers are requesting a briefing with Senior Advisor Massad Boulos to gain clarity regarding the terms under negotiation for expanded U.S. access to the DRC’s critical minerals as well as the resources the Administration intends to commit to meet immediate humanitarian needs in the DRC.