Washington Calls on Congo Government to Halt War Strategy

The Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, has urged leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to abandon what he described as a military-first approach in the country’s conflict-ridden eastern region.

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 3, Senator Risch called on the Congolese government and its national army, FARDC, to halt offensive military operations and commit to a ceasefire.

“The Government of Congo and FARDC must abandon their military solution in eastern Congo, respect the ceasefire, and work with partners—especially the United States—to build a sustainable security solution in the region,” Risch stated.

According to information published by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the senator also urged all warring parties to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing that honoring existing agreements remains the only viable path toward lasting peace.

Risch’s remarks come just a day after the United States imposed sanctions targeting Rwanda, specifically its military. The move has heightened diplomatic tensions in the Great Lakes region.

Rwandan authorities swiftly criticized the sanctions, arguing that the measures unfairly single out one party to the conflict. In an official statement responding to the decision, the Government of Rwanda said imposing sanctions on “one side involved in peace efforts in an inappropriate manner distorts the facts and misrepresents the true nature of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.”