(Washington DC, March 29, 2024) –

We are writing this to encourage your support in fostering peace and security in the ongoing situation in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  

Although the US government has sanctioned second hand players in the violent situation and has asked, without success, the government of Rwanda to remove its military from the sovereign territory of the DRC, we believe more persuasive sanctions are needed on members of the Rwandan regime, including travel ban and freeze of financial assets. Mr Paul Kagame ought not to be spared of such sanctions.

In December 2012, we  witnessed the decisive action of the US government demanding Rwanda for the immediate cease of military activities and the withdrawal from the Kivu regions of the DRC. And within a week, the Rwandan regime complied. We are asking for the same resolve and diplomatic tone from our current White House administration. Especially after seeing irrefutable proofs from the United Nations of Rwandan military presence and support of armed groups such as the M23.

Our government ought to be concerned with the negative impact of Rwandan military activities in the DRC. In fact, countless numbers of people have been reported missing or displaced from their homes. The humanitarian crisis on the ground speaks of horrific atrocities, food and medical shortages. A heavy duty for the Congolese government and concerned Congolese to tackle alone. The US government should increase humanitarian aid and collaborate with the DRC government and involved International organizations in providing assistance to affected communities and refugees camps in Goma, Sake, Butembo, Lubero, Beni, etc.

The US government should encourage the following actions:

1. Distance the US government from supporting the current Rwandan regime and demand the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Otherwise, support military retaliation from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Rwanda as a right to self defense.
2. Implementation of a peace and reconciliation environment between all affected parties.
   1. 2.1. Rwanda ought to discuss ways of nation building and social justice at all levels of government. Plan for safe return of all Rwandan refugees from DRC, including the FDLR.
   2. 2.2. Congolese government ought to offer reparation packages for displaced families and living relatives of missing people, especially women and children of the Kivus. The DRC government should organize responsable and safe return home for refugees and displaced Congolese populations.
3. The crating of a peace and commercial treaty for the Great Lakes region of Africa, serving as a legal framework for all companies willing to do mining and commercial business with the DRC. Including government garanties for serious investors, socio-development responsibilities for villages and communities, including new modern homes with royalties where applicable for Congolese inhabitants. 

We remain confident that our US government would take the lead in this effort and position America as a friend and ally of  the Congolese people in restoring peace, security, the rule of law and good governance for DRC and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.