The United States has offered to expand the Lobito railway project as an incentive for a peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, but discussions have stalled. Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have occupied parts of eastern DRC, exacerbating humanitarian issues. U.S. officials expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s heavy-handed response to conflict and faced setbacks in Niger after a military coup disrupted relations.
The United States has proposed a significant infrastructure incentive to encourage a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Molly Phee, the outgoing assistant secretary of state for African affairs, revealed that this proposal involved extending the Lobito railway project to facilitate mineral transport from DRC and Zambia to Angola’s coast. However, discussions have stalled as Rwanda appears to have distanced itself from negotiations.
Phee highlighted the urgency of stabilizing eastern DRC, where Rwandan-backed rebels, known as the M23 Movement, have captured large areas, leading to humanitarian crises. The U.S. had suggested that a resolution could involve the DRC targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group primarily composed of Hutu militants, yet this approach has not been adopted by DRC authorities.
The situation shifted further when Rwandan President Paul Kagame opted not to attend the Luanda summit, an indication that Rwanda continues to seek actions that address the underlying issues rather than surface-level agreements. Despite President Biden’s administration’s initiative to engage more actively with African issues, focus has also shifted to conflicts elsewhere, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza.
After the ceasefire in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, which involved considerable U.S. diplomacy, concerns arose regarding the Ethiopian security forces’ heavy-handed tactics in other regions like Amhara and Oromia. Phee expressed pride in the peace efforts but criticism of the lack of attention towards civilian protection amid ongoing violence.
The dynamics shifted in Niger following a military coup in 2023, adversely affecting U.S. relations and leading to the dismantling of a key military cooperation deal. Phee reported on the necessity for Niger to responsibly handle its uranium resources and indicated a willingness to facilitate legitimate economic opportunities for the country, reaffirming a desire for continued partnership despite recent tensions.
The peace deal negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda are crucial due to the ongoing conflict fueled by rebel groups like the M23 Movement. The U.S. involvement reflects a broader strategy to stabilize the region through economic incentives, which are essential to address humanitarian crises and improve local governance. The geopolitical landscape of Africa, notably the relationships with Ethiopia and Niger, showcases the complexities of U.S. engagement and the need for sustainable partnerships.
The U.S. has proactively sought to use infrastructure development as leverage for peace in the DRC, though Rwanda’s withdrawal from negotiations complicates progress. Recognizing the humanitarian toll of prolonged conflicts, especially due to the M23 Movement, U.S. officials emphasize the necessity of comprehensive frameworks that genuinely stabilize the region. As regional dynamics shift, the importance of maintaining dialogue and partnerships cannot be overstated.
Original Source: www.france24.com
