U.S. Diplomats Highlight Progress in African Peace Initiatives During Recent Trip

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2025 (ENA)— During a press briefing held at the Africa Regional Media Hub of the U.S. Department of State, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos and Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Corina Sanders provided insights into their recent diplomatic mission across the African continent from April 2nd to 9^th 2025.

The two officials reported on their visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, focusing on advancing peace and fostering U.S. investment in the region.

With the goal of achieving lasting peace in the eastern DRC, Boulos emphasized the significance of the trip as a reflection of President Trump’s commitment to establishing stability through economic opportunities rather than conflict.

Notably, discussions in Kinshasa led to a shared strategic focus on boosting U.S. private sector investment in minerals, crucial for the DRC’s economic prosperity.

“We made great progress on two critical priorities: enhancing the peace agreement within the eastern DRC and expediting U.S. investments in Central Africa,” Sanders stated.

She further expressed optimism about fostering cordial relations between the U.S. and African nations.

Boulos echoed these sentiments, citing a pivotal mineral deal discussed with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi that aims to navigate the challenges of political instability while boosting economic growth.

The delegation’s discussions yielded tangible results, including a significant retreat of the M23 rebel group from the town of Walikale.

Boulos highlighted the importance of this development in fostering goodwill among parties involved in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for three decades. He urged that all parties must now demonstrate their commitment to peace through concrete actions.

Multiple journalists raised pertinent questions during the session, touching upon the U.S. strategy for counteracting the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa, as well as the potential for the U.S. to provide additional support to the Congolese government.

Boulos articulated that the U.S. is proactive in evaluating diplomatic and economic tools to bolster peace initiatives while reiterating that engagement with local governments would adhere to a framework of laws and regulations aimed at protecting the sovereignty and rights of Congolese citizens.

Questions also centered around the future of U.S.-African partnerships, particularly concerning infrastructure projects linked to mineral agreements and ongoing discussions about regional security dynamics, particularly in light of recent withdrawals of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces from the DRC.

The officials’ responses stressed the importance of maintaining strong cooperative ties with regional entities such as the African Union while ensuring that all discussions consider the security concerns of surrounding nations, including Rwanda’s concerns regarding the FDLR militia.

As the briefing closed, both Boulos and Sanders expressed gratitude for the engagement and participation, highlighting this initiative as just the beginning of a long-term commitment to fostering stability and economic growth across Africa.

“As we move forward, the U.S. is dedicated to facilitating private sector investments that respect local laws and foster mutual economic benefits,” Boulos concluded, prompting hope for a new chapter in U.S.-African relations.