Behind the scenes of the news, a major event took place on January 20, 2024: the inauguration ceremony of Felix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This symbolic moment caught the attention of several figures, including Scott Nathan, CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), who was appointed to represent President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. However , this event is not limited to a simple ceremony, it also marks the United States’ commitment to the economic development of the DRC and Africa.
The DFC, an American financial institution, is actively involved in stimulating economic development in developing countries by investing in private sector projects. Its goal is to reduce poverty, support American businesses abroad, reduce the risks of investing in less developed regions, and promote good governance. In this context, the United States has recently expressed its support for the development of the Lobito corridor and the new Zambia-Lobito railway line in the DRC. This is a major transport infrastructure that will promote regional trade and strengthen connectivity between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Beyond economic development, the United States is also involved in security matters in the DRC. Indeed, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken raised the need for de-escalation between Kinshasa and Kigali during a discussion with Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the World Economic Forum. The United States also calls on Congolese authorities to conduct a thorough review of the electoral process and hold accountable those who sought to undermine the will of the people. This desire to stabilize the eastern region of the DRC is essential to promote the growth and prosperity of the country.
During the inauguration ceremony of Felix Tshisekedi, the American delegation was also composed of Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Monde Muyangwa, Deputy Administrator of the Bureau for Africa at the United States Agency for International Development, and Chidi Blyden, Deputy Managing Director at the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Their presence demonstrates the importance given by the United States to the country and the region.
In conclusion, the inauguration ceremony of Felix Tshisekedi in the Democratic Republic of Congo was marked by the presence of a high-level American delegation, a sign of the United States’ commitment to the economic development and stability of the DRC. . This ceremony also illustrates the United States’ desire to strengthen its relations with Africa and support its development.