WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda:
“Safety, security, and prosperity in Central Africa are in the clear interest of the United States. For too long, armies from the region, their proxy militia – including the Rwanda-backed M23 – terrorist organizations, and malign actors have terrorized communities and plundered resources in Eastern Congo. The escalation of conflict since January 2025 has dramatically heightened regional instability, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and unleashed profound suffering.
“Now is the time for all parties to redouble their efforts at the negotiating table to achieve a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict. We are encouraged by the progress made by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in negotiations facilitated by the United States. The April 25 Declaration of Principles signed in Washington at a ceremony hosted by Secretary Rubio is a clear step forward toward achieving this goal and the latest testament to the power of U.S. engagement and leadership in this region. As negotiations continue, we hope there will be a concerted effort to include civil society, and that any agreement will allow for the neutral and unimpeded access to and delivery of robust humanitarian aid. We urge all parties to continue negotiating in good faith and in adherence to the Declaration of Principles, building on African-led efforts.”