The United States has offered an infrastructure incentive, expanding the Lobito railway, to foster a peace deal in the DRC, but Rwanda has stepped back from negotiations. Senior diplomat Molly Phee indicated challenges remain due to conflict driven by Rwandan-backed rebels. Additional setbacks were noted in relations with Ethiopia and Niger amid complex geopolitical tensions in East Africa.
The United States has proposed an incentive to support a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda by expanding the Lobito railway project. This initiative seeks to enhance transport routes for minerals from DRC and Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic coast. However, senior US diplomat Molly Phee indicated that Rwanda has distanced itself from these negotiations, jeopardizing the stability in eastern DRC, which has been marred by violence from Rwandan-backed rebels since 2021.
Phee noted that the United States offered positive incentives to both nations for stabilizing eastern DRC. This included a framework designed for negotiation between the involved parties, but Rwanda’s retreat has hindered progress. As a long-standing conflict persists, the humanitarian crisis in the region has intensified due to military actions by the March 23 Movement (M23) supported by Rwanda.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has consistently denied direct involvement in the conflict while calling for action against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia in DRC. Accusations against Rwanda include attempts to seize valuable resources amidst the ongoing conflict. Phee indicated that despite US efforts to mediate, Rwanda’s absence from crucial summit talks in December reflected a retreat from potential peaceful resolutions.
Biden’s administration aimed to increase focus on Africa compared to his predecessor’s engagement. However, attention has also shifted toward conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In Ethiopia, Phee highlighted the US’s efforts in facilitating the ceasefire in the Tigray region that ended a devastating conflict, although concerns remain regarding security force actions in other Ethiopian regions.
The military takeover in Niger marks another setback for the US, as the junta aligns with Russia, jeopardizing US interests. Phee expressed a diplomatic approach regarding uranium sales, emphasizing the potential for beneficial deals rather than embracing negativity. She remains hopeful for a constructive dialogue on cooperation moving forward.
The current geopolitical dynamics in East Africa, particularly involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, reflect deep-rooted conflicts exacerbated by resource interests and rebel insurgencies. The proposed expansion of the Lobito railway by the United States signifies an effort to address both economic and political challenges. The US administration has highlighted the role of diplomacy in promoting peace while confronting the consequences of ongoing military actions and humanitarian crises in the region. Additionally, the situation in Niger provides insights into shifting alliances and the complexities of US foreign relations in Africa.
In summary, the United States has attempted to facilitate peace between the DRC and Rwanda through infrastructure incentives, specifically the Lobito railway expansion. However, setbacks have arisen due to Rwanda’s withdrawal from negotiations and ongoing violence by M23 rebels. Phee’s reflections highlight broader shifts in US foreign policy focus on Africa alongside concerns in Ethiopia and Niger. The path toward sustainable peace and development in the region remains uncertain, but diplomatic efforts continue.
Original Source: www.france24.com
