Fatshimetrie, October 6, 2024 – National deputies who are members of the Democratic Republic of Congo-United States of America friendship group recently undertook an advocacy mission to the US Congress. This mission aimed to obtain US support for the approach taken by the DR Congo in favor of peace in the east of the country.
Joseph Bangakya, president of the DRC-United States of America friendship group, stressed the importance of this parliamentary diplomacy approach. The Congolese deputies, supervised by the first vice-president of the National Assembly, Prof. Isaac Jean-Claude Tshilumbayi, met with representatives of the US Congress to discuss the situation in the DRC.
During their stay in the United States, the parliamentary delegation spoke with the office of Senator Eric Sorensen on the war of aggression imposed on the DRC by Rwanda. They then met with Corina Senders, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, to denounce the abuses and plundering of the DRC’s natural resources by Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The US authorities condemned Rwanda’s actions in the DRC and expressed their support for the defense of the DRC. A bill on the traceability of minerals from the DRC is currently being discussed in the US Congress to combat the financing of armed groups and the illegal export of minerals by Rwanda.
The delegation also called for sanctions against Rwanda at the United Nations Security Council, based on the multiple reports documenting the war in the DRC. The two parties agreed to strengthen their collaboration within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy to benefit from American expertise.
Under the supervision of MP Isaac Jean Tshilumbayi Musawu, the delegation included Joseph Bangakya Angaze, Serge Chembo Nkonde, Patrick Matata Makalamba, Colette Lukamata Nkusu, Laddy Yangotikala Senga, Mpembi BAZEGO Marie-Thérèse, Hon Kombi Pendani Bosco, Hon Kabila MAKONGA Emmanuel and Mr. Paul Nsadi Tshilumbayi, Chief of Staff of the 1st Vice-President of the National Assembly.
This advocacy mission illustrates the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace and defending the interests of the DRC on the international scene. The commitment of national deputies to the stability and development of their country deserves to be recognized and supported.
This approach demonstrates the willingness of Congolese parliamentarians to mobilize international support to address the security and economic challenges facing the DRC. By working with partners like the United States, the DR Congo is strengthening its position on the international stage and working toward a more secure and prosperous future for its citizens.