The United States Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines visited Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 19-20 November.
A statement from the State Department released on Tuesday, November 21 says the DNI was joined by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and Special Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for African Affairs Judd Devermont.
“DNI Haines met with Rwandan President Kagame and Congolese President Tshisekedi to secure commitments from both leaders to de-escalate tensions in eastern DRC. Acknowledging the long history of conflict in this region, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi plan to take specific steps to reduce current tensions by addressing the respective security concerns of both countries. The steps are drawn from previous arrangements reached with the support of neighbors under the Luanda and Nairobi processes.”The statement read.
In addition, the statement pointed out that, the U.S. government welcomes, and intends to monitor, these DRC and Rwanda steps towards de-escalation, and plans to support diplomatic and intelligence engagements between both countries to foster greater security and prosperity for the Congolese and Rwandan people.
Tension between Rwanda and DRC has escalated, with DRC’s President Tshisekedi accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, to which Rwanda has vehemently denied.
Earlier last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone conversation with President Kagame for a de-escalation after a new flare-up in tensions with the DRC.
The State Department said Blinken had a “productive” call with Rwandan President Paul Kagame about the “volatile situation”, without taking a stance on the alleged border incursion.
The call comes after Blinken’s deputy, Victoria Nuland, visited Kinshasa for discussions on the issue.
“Blinken relayed US advocacy for a diplomatic solution to the tensions between the two countries and (its) request for each side to take measures to de-escalate the situation,” a State Department statement said.
