Frank
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In Kigali, Boulos said Washington’s proposal will benefit both DRC and Rwanda and will be “rooted in regional stability and peace as well as economic development.”
“During our discussions, President Kagame committed to pursuing this vision of peace.
I can confirm that the United States also remains committed to this effort and is ready to facilitate an end to this conflict, obviously a peaceful end to this conflict,” he told the media on Tuesday evening at the US Embassy in Kigali.
But there was a subtle threat: Those who won’t toe the line will face consequences.
Washington is especially keen on ensuring Rwanda ceases backing rebels across the border in the Congo and pulls back any military support it had deployed.
According to diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions, this will ensure each country can carry its can on internal security challenges.
Boulos said the US wants an end “that allows countries to secure their borders and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy.
This relationship has great potential, and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss the way forward with our counterparts here in Kigali.
The deal is to benefit American access to minerals in the Congo, such as cobalt, lithium, uranium, gold and coltan.
And while Washington demanded that Rwanda tone down rebel backing, it also wants Kinshasa to provide state authority in eastern DRC, whose absence has previously fuelled armed conflict.
Kinshasa will also be required to tame corruption in its agencies, end the activities of the FDLR, a rebel group hiding in DRC and which Kigali blames for insecurity in Rwandan territory, and provide easier entry for American investments, including mining companies.
In Kinshasa, Boulos, did not name the value of investments the US wants to put into the Congo, but he did admit security will be a factor when he met with President Félix Tshisekedi on April 3.
“Of course, we need an environment that is as conducive to business as possible to achieve this objective.
Rest assured that American companies are operating transparently and will stimulate local economies.
“We’re talking about multibillion-dollar investments.
www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/minerals-and-sanctions-trump-s-terms-conditions-to-aid-congo-peace-process/ar-AA1CP8KK?ocid=socialshare
