US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Rwanda’s efforts to ease tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo, pledging US support for regional diplomacy. Despite this, a recent border clash highlighted strained relations. Rwanda’s military reported shooting a Congolese « soldier » and detaining two others.
Blinken expressed commitment to peaceful resolutions, acknowledging the work done, particularly by Rwanda, Kenya, and Angola. The meeting signals US optimism in addressing the conflict through collaboration with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, despite past criticisms. US intelligence chief Avril Haines noted de-escalation steps agreed upon by Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in November.
