In a virtual press briefing hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos and Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Corina Sanders briefed journalists from across the continent on recent U.S. efforts in Africa. Broadcasting from Washington, D.C., the two officials shared insights from Boulos’s recent mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, emphasizing peacebuilding efforts and a push for greater American private sector investment.
Opening the session, Deputy Assistant Secretary Sanders hailed the trip as a “critical step forward” in U.S. engagement with Central Africa. “Our dual focus is clear: advancing peace in eastern DRC and encouraging American investment throughout the region,” Sanders stated. She praised Boulos’s “business acumen and longstanding familiarity with Africa,” calling their collaboration an important asset to U.S. Africa policy.
Senior Advisor Massad Boulos underscored that the administration’s strategy is deeply rooted in “promoting shared prosperity through private sector engagement and advancing regional stability.” Reflecting on his discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, Boulos revealed that talks on a strategic minerals partnership are progressing well, noting, “We are committed to building a secure environment that welcomes responsible investment.“
In a significant development, Boulos announced that the M23 rebel group had withdrawn from Walikale following sustained diplomatic pressure. “This is a hopeful sign,” he said. “We are seeing the fruits of active U.S. engagement, particularly the tireless efforts of Secretary Rubio and regional leaders like Presidents Kagame, Tshisekedi, and Ruto.”
Responding to questions about ongoing security concerns, Boulos stressed, “The M23 must fully disarm, and Rwandan forces must withdraw from Congolese territory. Peace must come through dialogue, not the gun.” He also confirmed that the successful transfer of detained American citizens from the DRC to U.S. custody marked a high point of his mission, which he called “an example of the pragmatic approach we are bringing to U.S.-Africa relations.“
When asked about China’s and Russia’s influence in Africa, Sanders steered the conversation toward America’s economic approach. “Our focus is on strengthening American industrial and technological leadership while fostering fair and transparent trade partnerships,” she said. “We believe in mutually beneficial relationships that advance both African development and U.S. strategic interests.”
On the economic front, Boulos acknowledged that no U.S. private sector representatives accompanied the recent delegation but stressed that American companies are increasingly interested in Africa. “U.S. businesses operating in the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya are already actively engaged,” he said. “They are committed to ethical investment that respects both U.S. and local laws.“
Boulos also highlighted ongoing negotiations for a minerals deal with the DRC, explaining that agencies like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and EXIM Bank are ready to support initiatives focused on infrastructure development, notably the Lobito Corridor project. “We want a ‘win-win’ partnership,” he emphasized. “Transparency and shared benefits are non-negotiable.“
On regional security, Boulos reaffirmed U.S. support for African-led initiatives, praising the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and other organizations. He confirmed that the U.S. remains engaged in dialogues to resolve issues related to rebel groups and militias like the FDLR, noting, “Addressing the threat posed by militias is essential to achieving lasting peace.“
Following a constructive meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Boulos reiterated the U.S. call for respect for sovereignty and the cessation of external support for armed groups. “The people of the region deserve peace, and we are committed to helping achieve it,” he said.
Concluding the briefing, both Boulos and Sanders thanked the journalists for their active participation. “This dialogue is just the beginning,” Sanders remarked, encouraging continued collaboration and promising ongoing engagement through the Africa Regional Media Hub.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xmId5aWYs40C2wIkpyfQnDsXBXP6eHaw/view
