▶ 0:06:01The Subcommittee on Africa will come to order. The purpose of this hearing is to developments following the historic signing of the Washington Accords between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. I now recognize myself a four and opening statement. My engagement in supporting peace between Rwanda and DRC spans more than three decades from a focus on the immediate aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
▶ 0:06:27We even had hearings here with people because unfortunately the international community utterly failed especially Kofi Annan who was was the head of security. He got the General Dallaire memo about what was about to happen in Rwanda and nothing was done and we had people testify on that. So it's been a long-standing concern. It's been bipartisan and so I'm happy that we're having this hearing today.
▶ 0:06:54We are working of course on trying to see faithful implementation of the Washington Accords for peace and prosperity. This skillfully and brilliantly brokered peace deal signified a new era in the region one where peace through strength is brought to bear to end the lengthy bloody and costly conflict. Bringing both parties to negotiate at the same table was historic in and of itself.
▶ 0:07:22First time in modern history where such progress has been made on this conflict. The deals agreed to will secure extraordinary benefits if faithfully implemented for the DRC, for Rwanda and for the United Ensuring that all sides follow through on the commitments made at the signing in December is not only in the US national interest, but most importantly really for the millions of people who suffer in the war, for future generations of Congolese and Rwandan and for
▶ 0:07:52the memory of the 6 million dead from this decades-long conflict. A human toll that is both staggering and Over the course of the last several years, I've chaired 11 hearings that have focused exclusively on the political crisis and violence in the DRC uh and Rwanda. Regrettably, hearing has revealed that the international community and the US response has been half-hearted and perhaps even indifferent, especially in the face of such violence, tragedy, and suffering.
▶ 0:08:23Today, things are changing. And under President Trump and his cabinet's leadership in the response is strong, sustained, and I believe it will be durable. I believe that the signing of the Washington Accords in such a public way with just down uh a few blocks, and I was there for that along with Chairman Men and others, uh it brings gravity to the commitments of the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda.
▶ 0:08:45Uh and this hearing today is a message about the seriousness this committee, this full committee of course, there's great care there and of course and the full Congress, House and Senate, uh to those commitments. We're we're committed. We want faithful implementation. It's an appeal to both sides. Please, faithfully implement this deal.
▶ 0:09:07In December of last year, I said I look forward to working on and watching the peace process unfold and ensure that the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda are the terms of the agreement. That is why we've called this hearing today because there continue to be spoilers to the peace process. Belligerents who act to undermine, embarrass the United States, and I would say even more importantly themselves.
▶ 0:09:30You know, if you sign, you say this is my I put my honor and my my full faith towards this agreement, you got to follow through. The benefits of the Washington Accords, as I said before, are just extraordinary and everyone wins when this is implemented faithfully.
▶ 0:09:48The incentives are spelled out clearly in the regional economic integration framework mandated that the DRC and Rwanda develop a structured road map for economic integration covering mineral supply chains, infrastructure, energy, tourism and other sectors to underpin peace underpin peace with shared prosperity and to attract investment.
▶ 0:10:11Whereas the strategic partnership agreement between the US and each of the African governments, the DRC and separately Rwanda, builds on the regional economic integration framework into a wider trilateral framework that links economic reforms, critical minerals governance and security cooperation to the US strategic interests and investment commitments.
▶ 0:10:32This includes addressing child and forced labor issues in the mining industry through the full supply chain transparency, {quote} {unquote}, due diligence, traceability and adherence to internationally recognized standards to ensure responsible mining and sourcing, {close} {quote}.
▶ 0:10:50Very critical is that the Washington Accords include a four-phase concept of operations that both parties agreed to and that is essential for Rwanda agreeing to pull its troops back, but only if the DRC follows a synchronized schedule to eliminate the FDLR militia.
▶ 0:11:08At a hearing of this subcommittee on May 5th of 1998, I noted that {quote} the RF RPF led Rwandan government has used the guilt of the international community as a shield to prevent criticism of its actions in the DRC and that the sheltering of the Hutu participants in the genocide has led to continuing problems in that Decades later, the root causes of the conflict continued to boil over.
▶ 0:11:35The presence of the FDLR and its genocidal ideology rightfully continues to be the government of Rwanda's primary national security concern in eastern Congo. But today, we have good reason to believe that known areas of the FDLR combatants are under M23 and Rwandan control.
▶ 0:11:54And I would expect to hear the developments that describe the measures being taken by M23 and Rwanda to demobilize these It is insufficient to say that M23 is an independent group or not party to the Washington Accords when there is a clear pattern of coordination by Kigali and the group.
▶ 0:12:14The Congolese army too has a has issues with the FDLR including there's no clear-cut policy that relocates and disarms individuals who should be viewed as a threat to the Congolese commitments. In 2008, I visited Goma. Uh then the peacekeepers unfortunately were engaging in despicable behavior of raping little children. Uh Ambassador Swing was in charge of that deployment. Uh I held four hearings on it.
▶ 0:12:43Uh we thought we got an agreement, a blue helmet policy that said zero tolerance. It was very, very slow in the implementation. And when the peacekeepers don't protect, who's left? And I was was very, very upset with that as were so many others on both sides of the aisle. the leaders uh uh so Senator Rubio has been very specific and I am grateful for this about Hong Kong and mainland China's based companies accused of financing armed groups including M23.
▶ 0:13:13These sanctions that have been imposed by the by the uh Trump administration include Congo Dongyang Mining Corporation which is a facilitator accused of sourcing minerals from conflict zones and moving them through Rwandan supply chains to Chinese In 2023, I chaired a hearing and said, "From cobalt to cars, the entire supply chain is built on violence." And we heard from several people who talked about how children were dying who are working in artisanal mines and others
▶ 0:13:43that were forced Chinese government had I have a bill and that would try to stop it. It has not passed. Part of it passed on the uh over in the uh what do you call it? The Ways and Means Committee, but it still has not proceeded. Hopefully, what's happening now eclipses any need for anything like that, because this agreement uh is so comprehensive.
▶ 0:14:04We must break our dependence uh on minerals from the that finance the Chinese Communist Party, as I said back in 2023, uh and that fuels the stability proffered by the the CCP. The Washington Accords are more than minerals. It's a culminating event designed to end the suffering in the war.
▶ 0:14:22And I asked in December of 2012, "Can the interethnic problems in the DRC and its neighbors finally be resolved so that a lasting peace can be achieved?" Let me just point out, too, during the worst days, and it's back again, of the Darfur genocide, uh many people said, "Why does Why isn't there any attention being brought to the killing fields in the DRC, Congo?" Uh we had Matt uh Affleck uh uh Matt Affleck had come in and testify.
▶ 0:14:49And and so many others, Tony Hall, whose staff is here, he'll be testifying at our follow-up hearing to today. So many people spoke out and said, "What about the DRC, Congo?" Uh and what about Rwanda? So, um the accords, I think, answers that question very robustly. And again, with Sarah, thank you for being here, and I'll introduce you formally in a moment. Would like to yield to Sara Jacobs, our distinguished ranking member. Thank you, uh Mr. Chairman, uh for holding this very timely hearing.
▶ 0:15:16And Deputy Assistant Secretary Trautman, uh thank you for testifying before our committee today. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with 7.3 million internally displaced persons and over 7,000 killed in 2025 alone. More than 26 million people are experiencing life-threatening levels of acute food insecurity.
▶ 0:15:39It is one of the most complex and long-standing humanitarian crises in the While the latest escalation between DRC and Rwanda started in 2022, the conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for at least three decades. Civilians have suffered the most under this conflict, either being caught in the crossfire or being targeted by armed Conflict-related sexual violence have reached epidemic levels in eastern DRC.
▶ 0:16:06Cases have only escalated this year while impunity for its perpetrators, including the M23 and other armed groups and military forces, prevails. So, I do appreciate President Trump's high-level attention to this conflict that is too often ignored and put on the back burner. But this conflict and the people of DRC, they deserve sustained high-level attention and care and not a fleeting concern that gets easily forgotten.
▶ 0:16:32And I would argue that the president's promises and statements that he has already ended the war between DRC and Rwanda ring hollow when we are in fact not seeing peace or stability on the ground at all. I'm also concerned that the lack of consultation and inclusion of civil society and local communities is setting up the peace process before it even gets off the ground.
▶ 0:16:54Only 5 days after the signing of the Washington Accords between President Tshisekedi and President Kagame hosted by President Trump, the M23 co-located with the Rwandans along the front lines took over the strategic city of Uvira in South Kivu. And while M23 has reportedly retreated partially from Uvira, we still have not seen the full retreat to 75 km outside of Uvira back to Kamanyola as the United States called for in December.
▶ 0:17:24And we are now receiving reports of reprisal attacks against the Banyamulenge, a Congolese Tutsi community, and other civilians accused of supporting the M23 by the Wazalendo and other armed bandits. This is on top of nearly a year of M23's occupation of Goma and Bukavu, two other extremely important cities in the Kivus, where civilians have faced atrocities, executions, and other abuses. Both parties have made commitments that they have failed to maintain.
▶ 0:17:54Rwanda clearly continues to support the M23 and deploy its own forces, the latest numbers ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 troops in Eastern Congo, not including the latest Uvira offensive, in violation of the DRC's sovereignty. The DRC military, for its part, has reportedly continued a collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the FDLR, a militia founded by the leaders of the 1994 Rwanda genocide, in contravention of the accords.
▶ 0:18:22And despite Secretary Rubio's and Ambassador Waltz's promises a month ago that they would use the tools at our disposal to hold Rwanda accountable, and quote, "Ensure promises made by Rwanda to the president are kept," the administration has still not announced any new sanctions or accountability measures against Rwanda or the M23. To me, it's very clear.
▶ 0:18:43Rwanda needs to stop supporting the M23 and stop its own occupation of the DRC so the Congolese people can finally be on the path to peace, not more war. So, I urge the Trump administration to make good on its promises to hold Rwanda and other spoilers to peace accountable. And I look forward to hearing from Ms. Trautman on how the department plans to take these actions.
▶ 0:19:05I also urge the administration to actually include civil society in the peace process so that it has real buy-in with local populations on the various commercial deals in progress with the government of DRC to ensure any investments actually benefit the Congolese people, not just foreign companies and elites. And once again, I urge President Trump to finally name senior positions to lead Africa policy. A year into his term, the president has neglected to nominate an assistant secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs at the State Department.
▶ 0:19:36We are now on our third senior bureau official. And he has not only failed to appoint an NSC senior director for Africa, but he's actually combined the Africa and Middle East directorate. I understand senior advisor Bulos is taking the lead on this portfolio. But he is not Senate confirmed, and he is also apparently in charge of the US response in Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. So I'm concerned that he's unable to dedicate the necessary time that the Congolese people deserve.
▶ 0:20:04I also urge the Trump administration to reverse its devastating cuts to foreign assistance in the country. Earlier this year, Secretary Rubio cut hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance to the DRC as part of President Trump's sham foreign assistance review and illegal dismantling of USAID. Since the cuts to USAID, more than 8,200 people living in the DRC with HIV have lost access to life-saving treatment. Last year, there was a 62% increase in deaths due to cholera.
▶ 0:20:35And while there has been a surge in conflict-related sexual violence in eastern Congo, foreign assistance cuts have reduced the services available to survivors including post-rape kits. And just in November, the World Food Program was forced to cut the number of people it assisted in DRC in half from 1 million to 600,000 people. These cuts didn't make sense then, and they don't make sense now while the president speaks about the need for peace and saving lives in DRC.
▶ 0:21:02I for one would like to believe that the president's peace agenda is real and will result in real peace. But, it's hard to believe when he has gutted our foreign policy tools and neglected to dedicate the necessary senior staff and resources to make peace not just possible, but enduring. the Congolese have not seen peace. They've only seen escalation over the past year, and they don't have time to wait.
▶ 0:21:25We need immediate action to hold the M23 and Rwanda accountable for their occupation in the DRC and latest offensive in Uvira. We need immediate action to get the peace process back on track. And we need the administration to invest in its own institutions and tools so this process is successful. The Congolese people have endured violence, exploitation, and promises of peace for long enough. It is cruel to call the war in DRC over while the M23 was executing people over the holidays.
▶ 0:21:54It is time for the United States, along with the international community, to recommit to this peace process and demonstrate seriousness about holding spoilers to peace accountable. So, I look forward to hearing from Deputy Assistant Secretary Trautman on the State Department's plan to fulfill the President's goal to actually find peace in the DRC. Thank you, Chairman Smith. I yield back.
▶ 0:22:13Uh, Dr. Jackson. I know. Yeah. Yeah. You sure? Okay. Let me introduce to our very distinguished witness, uh, someone we know so well on this committee, uh, Sarah Trautman, who serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of African Affairs, in coordinating the administration's policy priorities in the Central African countries.
▶ 0:22:42She comes directly from serving as a senior advisor in the Bureau of African Affairs. Previously, she was director of the government relations at the One Campaign, where she advanced self-sustaining economic growth in African countries. She also served on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, sitting right back here all the time, uh, for 5 years under Chairman Michael McCaul, uh most recently as the professional staff member and did a wonderful job.
▶ 0:23:06She received her BA in history and French and subsequently earned an MA in violence, terrorism, and security from uh Queen's College in Belfast, North Northern Ireland, uh an area that has known its unfortunately uh disproportionate share of violence uh itself uh over over the many decades. We did have a staff uh member briefing yesterday, a closed uh in the skiff with uh Mr.
▶ 0:23:33Bulos, who's uh uh spent, you know, as much time as seemed that we wanted to advance to ask him questions. He was very forthcoming, as were you, Sarah. But so much of what was said then cannot be replicated here, but I I do believe that um you know, we're admonishing the administration, asking the uh to move quickly with um uh sanctionings uh against uh certain individuals who are committing atrocities uh and blowing up this plan if that's what they are intending on doing.
▶ 0:24:03Uh so um and I do think that will be forthcoming. Uh so I just hope you could take that back on the record that you know, we we really want to see this work um and um it works when people know that there might be a sword of Damocles hanging over their head. So Sarah, the the floor is yours.
▶ 0:24:23Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Jacobs, and distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify on the United States efforts to advance peace between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, culminating in the signing of the Washington Accords on December 4th, As a former staffer of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I just want to say that I'm especially honored to be at this table today. For more than three decades, the eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict, instability, and human suffering.
▶ 0:24:54The region's challenges have defied easy solutions, with cycles of violence undermining development and threatening the security of millions. The United States has long recognized the strategic importance of the Great Lakes region, both for our own interests and for the well-being of the region's On December 4th at the Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace, President Tshisekedi and President Kagame signed the Washington Accords, a historic step forward that marks the most meaningful advance toward resolving this conflict in decades.
▶ 0:25:25This achievement is a testament to the power of sustained high-level diplomacy and the importance of American leadership on the world stage. President Trump is the peace president, and the landmark breakthrough achieved by the Washington Accords would not have been possible without his leadership. His direct engagement, vision, and determination to see this conflict resolved were instrumental in bringing the parties to the table and sustaining momentum throughout the process.
▶ 0:25:50I also recognize the leadership of Secretary Rubio and senior advisor Massoko Bilos, whose tireless efforts were critical in forging consensus and guiding the negotiations to a successful The benefits of the Washington Accords are profound. For the people of the DRC and of Rwanda, the Accords offer a pathway for lasting peace, improved security, and the opportunity to rebuild communities devastated by decades of violence.
▶ 0:26:17For the United States, President Trump designed the Accords to advance American interests in regional stability and promote economic growth that benefits both Americans and the As a key component of the America First foreign policy objectives of this administration, the Accords deliver direct, concrete benefits to the American people.
▶ 0:26:36By stabilizing a region that is a major source of critical minerals, including cobalt and coltan, which are essential for the US manufacturing and defense the Accords help secure American supply chains and reduce our reliance on competitors like China.
▶ 0:26:51The strategic partnership agreement with the DRC is a first-of-its-kind legally binding agreement that creates the conditions for significant US investment into the DRC in critical minerals and key strategic infrastructure and lays out the path forward for US DRC cooperation on the Secanya-Lobito A more stable Great Lakes region means less need for costly US humanitarian interventions and peacekeeping missions, allowing us to focus taxpayer resources on priorities at home while
▶ 0:27:21upholding US global leadership and securing supply For the region, the Washington Accords represent a new chapter. The Accords establish clear commitments from both sides to respect territorial integrity, cease support for armed groups, and cooperate on border security and economic development. The Accords also envision a robust framework for monitoring and implementation with the United States, Qatar, and the African Union working together to play a central role in future mediation and oversight.
▶ 0:27:52We know that peace is fragile and our work does not end with the signing of the Accords. As we move forward, our focus remains on the difficult work of We are working closely with our partners in the African Union, the United Nations, Qatar, and other regional and international stakeholders to ensure that commitments are translated into concrete action on the ground.
▶ 0:28:14This includes supporting the Qatari-led talks between the DRC and the M23 armed group, strengthening the AU's mediation architecture, and mobilizing resources for post-conflict recovery while burden-sharing with partners. We will ensure that the promises made in Washington are kept, that the peace process delivers real results so that the people of the region see tangible improvements in their lives, and that the conditions for increased US investment are realized.
▶ 0:28:42Transparency and accountability are central at every stage, and those who threaten peace will be held responsible. As Secretary Rubio said, we will take action to ensure promises made to the president are kept. In closing, I want to thank the subcommittee for its attention to this critical issue and for its support of our efforts in the Great Lakes region.
▶ 0:29:02The Washington Accords are a historic achievement, but they're also a call to With continued leadership and partnership, [snorts] we can help build a future of peace and prosperity for the DRC, Rwanda, and the United States. Thank you. I look forward to your Very much for your testimony, but more importantly for your leadership on a day-to-day level on this critical issue. Um MONUSCO has been reauthorized at 11,000 troops um and personnel.
▶ 0:29:31And you know, when I have visited with those troops in the past, uh especially when unfortunately there were some significant allegations being made against them. Um I got the sense that how often do they leave the barracks to actually try to mitigate the the hostilities? And I'm wondering if if, you know, you have some thoughts on how they could be more effective. Are they effective now? It seems like there's still bloodletting going on in a very, very real way.
▶ 0:29:59Um I remember visiting a a Christian uh health facility um in um near Goma where many women who had been horrifically gang-raped as a tool of terrorism um broken lives were actually getting their lives back through faith and a great deal of health care and the like um at that facility.
▶ 0:30:24And I was just amazed by how they had hope again cuz, you know, I could see one some of the women who were coming in had no hope, um but because of the love that was being shown to them. Uh there's a lot of faith-based concern, obviously, for and other concern for uh victims, and I'm wondering what we could be doing further to assist them.
▶ 0:30:47But in terms of the agreement and I said it a moment ago, I do hope that there will be I mean there needs to be you can ramp up or just say look we're not kidding. I think think anybody can question the faithfulness on this. He really wants this. You all did unbelievably good hard work in devising all of these interlocking strategies. That's that's real commitment and that's real hard work and you've done it.
▶ 0:31:15And you know, when one or both or some of the parties don't respect that you shouldn't blame the person who convened them and brought everybody into that room rooms multiple rooms multiple times to try to hatch out a deal. So I I I but I do hope that there will be a a real hard hit on those who are fomenting the end of this agreement by allowing M23 for example to commit the atrocities that they're committing.
▶ 0:31:45I'm wondering too if I could ask just try to down is the AU playing a a robust role in this you know, they do have diplomatic capabilities and again the UN has its presence there in a number of ways including with peacekeepers and and I just hope that they're doing their job to protect innocent civilians. Thank you so much Mr.
▶ 0:32:07Chairman for those To start with addressing MONUSCO we do assess that MONUSCO is currently the only force deployed in Eastern DRC that has the capacity to support these agreements that we have signed. So we are looking to MONUSCO to provide logistical support to the ceasefire monitoring mechanism that we are standing up in coordination with the International Conference of the Great Lakes region with their mechanism.
▶ 0:32:34So we are discussing how MONUSCO can be more helpful in holding up the accords specifically and also the Doha framework agreement. In the most recent mandate renewal, we were pleased to see language in MONUSCO's mandate that explicitly allows them to support these agreements and the Secretary Rubio did fund MONUSCO in in the most recent funding obligation. So the US does remain committed to supporting MONUSCO and to allowing it to play a more effective role in the Eastern DRC.
▶ 0:33:04With that said, we do see significant obstruction to MONUSCO's capabilities. We see M23 obstructing MONUSCO's movements and capability to protect civilians. So that's something we continue to push on. We of course would like to see MONUSCO be more effective especially in the protection of civilians. So we will continue to discuss the forces role.
▶ 0:33:27In terms of implementing the accords, as you mentioned, we fully intend to hold accountable any spoilers to the peace We of course appreciated President Trump's personal involvement in the December 4th signing of the accords. The president is rightly proud of the progress that we have made under his leadership over the past year in bringing an end to this conflict.
▶ 0:33:51And with that recognized, we know that peace is complicated and Secretary Rubio immediately after the signing said we have an agreement and now the agreement has to be lived up to. So really putting the onus on the parties as you said to uphold their commitments. And he also said that like any conflict, there are going to be ups and downs in that implementation.
▶ 0:34:12But he made it clear and I also want to make clear today that we will stay the course and the US remains absolutely committed to moving forward under the framework of the Washington accords as the best way to resolve this conflict. We do intend to keep all options on the table to hold spoilers accountable. Um, I also want to be clear that since December 4th, unfortunately, we have seen violence in Eastern DRC intensify.
▶ 0:34:38We saw M23, uh, with support from the Rwandan Defense Forces, that has been documented, um, and stated by Ambassador Waltz, uh, most recently at USUN. We saw, uh, this offensive take the strategically important town of Uvira, um, and that's extremely concerning to us. And we do consider that even though we have seen, uh, a measure of withdrawal from Uvira, uh, I want to be clear that that movement is not enough.
▶ 0:35:04We have made it very clear that a more, um, clear withdrawal further north, uh, with Rwandan troops heading back toward Rwanda's borders, uh, with M23 pulling back much farther to, uh, at least their previous lines, and recommitting to their engagement in the Doha process, uh, we really need to see these steps. And any measures we take to address them will be calibrated to change behavior.
▶ 0:35:27So, we do have all options on the table, and at the highest level continue to discuss, uh, what measures we will implement, uh, to change the behavior that we're seeing. Uh, finally, on the African Union's role, we are very appreciative of the AU, um, especially the AU Commission Chairperson and his team. They have been very, um, excellent in supporting both the, uh, Doha track and the Washington Accords, uh, implementation mechanisms.
▶ 0:35:53We do have, uh, AU representation in our Joint Oversight Committee and Joint Security Coordination Committee, uh, or mechanism meetings. The the JOC and JSCM are the main, uh, accountability mechanisms through which we oversee the Washington track, and the AU is present there and very active, and we appreciate their input. Um, the the President of Togo is also, uh, designated as the AU mediator for this conflict.
▶ 0:36:20We appreciate the conference that he convened, uh, actually last weekend in Togo. Uh, the US was able to participate as were many others. um, And in that conference do out that we had hoped to see and which we believe we did see was the operationalization of the five former heads of state that the AU has designated to help with certain tracks of this process. And one of those tracks is civil society engagement.
▶ 0:36:46So completely agree with what we're hearing that civil society engagement is key to a lasting peace and we're really hoping that the AU can step up and play a leading role in that respect. Before yielding to the ranking member, I
▶ 0:36:59you know, we have an obligation to do things too and in the House and the We thank you for what you are doing. I know it's it's got to be terribly distressing to see all the hard work being put at risk. I'm thinking, you know, Global Magnitsky Act. Guess who pushed it? Me. It came from the original Belarus Democracy Act which I did in 2004 when all these people said, "Oh, don't do that. Don't sanction Lukashenka." Well, we did. That law was signed by George W.
▶ 0:37:28Bush and in 2004 and we got a lot of prisoners out and we said, "We're not kidding. You're not going to be able to do business here." And that's the underpinning of the entire Global Magnitsky Act that came from the Belarus Democracy Act. And I will look to do specific country specific legislation to help the president get adherence to and these countries cuz he's already doing it to what they've agreed to. And again, I can't say it enough.
▶ 0:37:53When you sign something, you put your honor on the line and then you do nothing or you wink and nod and you allow certain things to happen. I'm talking about individual players in the two countries, particularly M23. We're going to we have to get more involved too as a Congress and I plan to lead it. Thank you. I yield. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dash Truman, thank you again.
▶ 0:38:16While I appreciate President Trump's attention to this war, I think there is a long way to go before peace is actually realized in Eastern Congo. Even after the signing of the Washington Accords last month, the M23 and Rwandan defense forces took over Uvira in its third new offensive in the Kivus in So, while I was glad to see Secretary Rubio's and Ambassador Waltz's tough messages towards Rwanda, including that they will use tools at their disposal to hold Rwanda accountable, we have yet to see any of those tools
▶ 0:38:46deployed nearly a month later. What punitive measures, including sanctions, is the US prepared to take against Rwanda and the M23 to force their full retreat to 75 km from Uvira that the United States has pushed for and to hold them accountable for violating the Washington Accords? Thank you, Ranking Member, for the opportunity to address that.
▶ 0:39:06Um, as I mentioned, we continue to hold all options on the table to incentivize changed behavior um and incentivize Rwanda to comply with uh its obligations under the Washington Accords. Uh we continue to believe that the Washington Accords are viable uh and that uh once we return to a state of compliance, we can uh continue with our oversight of that process.
▶ 0:39:27Is Is there a timeline we can expect actual concrete consequences to be rolled out? Sure. So, we continue to discuss at the highest levels which consequences uh might be levied. I will say that we have been very clear that uh this issue does affect all aspects of our bilateral relationship. Uh we would be much farther along in implementing our um bilateral economic MOU and other bilateral uh agreements and arrangements with Rwanda were it not for this grave miscalculation.
▶ 0:39:57Uh so, we will continue to put pressure through all avenues. Okay, but you can't give me an actual timeline of when we will see actual Those decisions are are above my pay grade, but we do continue to discuss. All right. And um as you know um the FARDC and Wazalendo forces have moved into Uvira, how is the US engaging with the Congolese government to ensure return of the civil administration to the city rather than military Thank you for your attention to the situation in Uvira.
▶ 0:40:27We have seen FARDC forces move back into the city and gradually reassert control. First and foremost, we message that there is a strong need to protect civilians and we were very concerned about the continued dangers that civilians might face. So, we did make that clear to the DRC government and we continue to discuss local governance issues with them in eastern all parts of eastern DRC. Okay, but we don't have a timeline yet on when we'll get to a civil civil administration of the city?
▶ 0:40:57Since we're still assessing the situation in the city and where M23 has actually withdrawn to and how much control the FARDC have over the city, we're we're still in those discussions. All right. And then my office is receiving reports of objections and reprisal attacks against the Banyamulenge in Uvira by the Wazalendo and other unidentified armed elements. What steps is the US taking to mitigate civilian protection risks to residents of conflict-affected communities in and around Uvira?
▶ 0:41:27Thank you for that question. We remain very engaged with the DRC government and emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and using channels of communication with other groups including Wazalendo to emphasize that reprisals cannot be seen in these communities. I think this is a good time to also bring up the humanitarian access issue.
▶ 0:41:48Unfortunately, we continue to see obstruction of humanitarian efforts really by all sides and that really affects the reporting that we're able to get on the situation on the ground and of course it affects the assistance that the communities in need are able to receive. So, we continue to push all sides to allow unfettered humanitarian access to these areas. All right. I want to turn now to the importance of civil society. I appreciate that you acknowledged how important they are.
▶ 0:42:12I'm glad to hear that the plan is to have the AU do some consultations, but you know, what is your response to criticism from Congolese opposition and civil society figures, including Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege, that the US-backed peace process has effectively rewarded Rwanda with pledges of US investment for attacking DRC? Thank you for that. So, we do continue to engage civil society, especially at our embassy level.
▶ 0:42:38Our embassies are quite engaged with local groups, especially in designing the regional economic integration They were consulting a variety of groups in developing that key economic aspect of these agreements. And again, we do look to the African Union to play an integral role in bringing civil society voices to the forefront in implementation. We know that's critical to a sustainable peace, and we really hope that that will be one of the deliverables that the AU is able to step in on. Um I think that's what I would say for now. Okay.
▶ 0:43:08Well, I think most of the civil society that I've spoken to would disagree with the assessment that they have been engaged in this process. So, I would urge you to rectify that situation because the Congolese have, you know, been privy to three decades of failed peace agreements, and I think those civil society groups on the ground know what's needed to actually be able to make this durable. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Dr. Jackson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:43:35Thank you for holding this hearing today, and thank you to our witness for being here. Appreciate your testimony. Um I've had the privilege of visiting the African continent on multiple congressional delegations since I've been in Congress in my time here, including recently DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the area. Uh during these visits, nearly all of my conversations have centered around security and economic growth.
▶ 0:43:56And thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Pompeo, that's exactly what the Washington Accords Peace and Prosperity sets the foundation for this to take place uh uh the DRC. Um now that the agreement is signed, the implementation must be executed thoughtfully and with buy-in from all of our regional partners. Um key to lasting peace is economic security, right?
▶ 0:44:19But you can't have economic security until you have some level of physical security as well, because people uh you know outside uh nations are not going to come in and invest and uh in an area where it's it's too hostile and too dangerous to to operate. So, that's that's just really going to be key in all of this.
▶ 0:44:37I um a plan that I've discussed with multiple heads of state in the area, including Rwanda and DRC, uh in is that the region could create an economic framework where neighboring countries uh would manage separate segments of the critical mineral supply chain coming from the eastern DRC. Now, I'm not suggesting that the DRC should give resources away. They belong to the DRC.
▶ 0:45:01Uh but what I am suggesting is that uh if if if if this becomes a situation where it's mutually beneficial for everyone to have peace in the region because it's financially beneficial for everyone to have peace in the region, then I think that that goes a long ways toward establishing lasting peace.
▶ 0:45:18And uh I've proposed multiple times that there should be agreement between the countries uh and not just uh Rwanda and the and the DRC, but the DRC and Burundi, the DRC and Uganda, some of their neighbors, that everyone benefits from the trillions the tens of trillions of dollars of rare earths that are in there that are currently in the eastern DRC. It's It's one of the wealthiest, if not the wealthiest, uh uh in in the world with regards to some of these uh natural resources.
▶ 0:45:46So, you know, if these could be mined uh you know, in in in in the DRC and then refined or processed in the neighboring countries, everyone would have a vested interest in making sure that peace is is maintained in the area.
▶ 0:46:00I also think that another area that's big here is that uh in order to get the physical security that we talked about well first off let me just say that once that happens another area that I've been that I've stressed really strongly is that the the resources that are that come from this agreement down the road if this were if this were to take place and some of this tremendous wealth were realized by the DRC and its neighboring as I described I think that it's absolutely critical that these resources have to be reinvested
▶ 0:46:30in the people of the DRC the infrastructure they have to see their lives getting better based on the the these these minerals you know being processed in in in sold I also think that it's it's going to be really key you know there we talked about the atrocities and you know yes there's been atrocities on both sides I you know I've read the I've read the intel you know M23 was Alondo there's there's there's been some atrocities across the board it's been going on for a long time now right but I also maintain
▶ 0:47:01that M23 is an armed is an armed militia group I I I don't think they're going to put their weapons down and start farming the next day I think that there has to be a concerted effort by the DRC to take the Congolese members of the M23 and incorporate them into the broader security platform for the country whether that's you know enabling them to be part of the military in some way I'm not sure but I I do think that you have to have a plan for that as well
▶ 0:47:31but my question for you real quick because I don't have much time left I'm sorry but is what is the Department of State doing right now to working what what how are they working to implement such a framework that I was just described with regards to the economic and the physical security Great well thank you so much congressman for the opportunity to address that the regional framework that you have described is exactly in line with what we have achieved with the regional economic integration framework signed between DRC and Rwanda.
▶ 0:48:01Um so that was a big incentive to participate in the peace process, like you said. Uh economic security and physical security do go together, uh and we won't have increased investment until we do have peace. Uh so we are looking forward to helping the DRC and Rwanda implement the the reef, the regional economic integration framework, uh which seeks to strengthen cross-border collaboration on sectors like critical minerals, also energy infrastructure, tourism, uh and public health.
▶ 0:48:28So we look forward to the implementation of that framework, uh especially once we make more progress toward uh real stability on the ground. Um and I do appreciate your note that we should be looking at uh Uganda and Burundi for inclusion in certain efforts related to that framework. Uh I think we are certainly hoping to get to that stage, and I would love to discuss with you further what that might look like to ensure that all countries in the region uh do benefit from this deal that was signed between the DRC and Rwanda.
▶ 0:48:53Um if I if I could just address the comments you made about M23 and the reintegration and DDR efforts, uh that's a critical aspect of the Doha track, uh and something that will be discussed in further negotiations. So we are very supportive of Qatar's efforts to convene those discussions, uh and the US will continue to provide technical support as we move through those negotiations. Uh so thank you so much, and I look forward to having more conversations with you and your team about how we can support investment in the DRC in the region. Thank you, I appreciate that. And I know this I'm making it sound a lot easier than it actually is.
▶ 0:49:22There's been, you know, this has been going on for for decades now, uh you know, this conflict. But I do think that at some point there have to set aside differences, and there has to be a way uh for for M23 to reintegrate, and for everyone, including you know, both sides of this conflict, to see that they are benefiting uh from what's going on uh with the with the with the the vast mineral wealth there that I think is ultimately the solution to this problem.
▶ 0:49:50But uh once again, I I thank you for your time, and with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Jackson. Thank you, Chairman Smith. Uh for decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC, has been trapped in a cycle of violence due to ethnic conflict between government actors, a variety of rebel groups, and foreign Today, almost 15 million people in the DRC need humanitarian
▶ 0:50:20assistance, and almost 27 million people will face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity in 2026. In December, Congolese President Félix Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame officially signed the US-brokered peace and economic framework.
▶ 0:50:45The sustainability of this agreement is questionable given that it prioritized economic benefit from extraction of critical material minerals over building sustainable excluded key actors impacted by the especially local civil society, and Congolese women and girls, did not get involved in the influential destabilizing destabilizing actors and parties to the conflict,
▶ 0:51:15such as the March 23rd movement, the M23. Over the last year, the administration terminated conflict and atrocity prevention and resolution programs in the country that advanced livelihoods and promoted stability around critical minerals, which has in turn undermined stability and threatened the success of the US-led peace efforts.
▶ 0:51:40Furthermore, the reorganization of the State Department resulted in the elimination of key offices focused on conflict and atrocity prevention such as the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operation CSO and the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues.
▶ 0:52:02To successfully and sustainably address the drivers of violence and instability in the DRC the Trump administration must support and incorporate diverse local stakeholders strengthen capacity to prevent and resolve conflict respond to atrocities and tackle the disproportionate impact the long-running conflict has had on women and girls.
▶ 0:52:28On another note, I'd like to add the Trump administration is wrong for eliminating programs that have to deal with diversity, equity, and which is the on-ramp to help resolve of conflict as well as bring about racial justice as well as promote women to inclusive leadership positions.
▶ 0:52:52I would ask you to what extent has the African Affairs Bureau implemented conflict prevention and peacebuilding programs in the country to complement recent diplomacy surrounding DRC? Thank you, Congressman, for that question. Um I would note that we do have many ongoing assistance programs uh mostly with life-saving assistance uh and being implemented in the DRC.
▶ 0:53:18Uh Secretary Rubio has been clear that we will remain the largest donor of life-saving humanitarian assistance in the world, and we will use foreign assistance to support our strategic priorities. Uh the DRC clearly is a strategic priority, and bringing stability uh and peace to the region is obviously a focus for President Trump. Uh so we look forward to continuing those assistance programs.
▶ 0:53:39Um I I add that we continue to implement programs including those which offer protection and medical services to women and girls and other programs that focus on protecting vulnerable populations. So absolutely recognize that women and girls are under extreme threat in the eastern DRC and we will continue those protection efforts.
▶ 0:54:00Is there any particular reason why the US backed peace plan was not inclusive as civil society including women led civil society was not included in the official talks? Thank you so much for the chance to address that.
▶ 0:54:15So we did include civil society in consultations especially around the regional economic integration framework and we look forward to those conversations ongoing as we look at how to implement the framework and encourage investment in the region and we are looking to the African Union to really step up in this lane and bring civil society voices to the forefront as they help us with the implementation of these agreements. So we look forward to speaking with those groups especially in coordination with the AU.
▶ 0:54:42And as we speak in closing I find it rather curious that the president of the United States puts more bans on African countries, more bans on integrating Africa into the global making more barriers between our great countries to participate. I thank you so much for your cooperation participation. I yield back chairman. Thank you. Mr. Ochetski.
▶ 0:55:09Thank you to Chairman Smith, ranking member Jacobs for holding this hearing. Thank you to our witness for being here. Just a little bit of context for Congolese civilians living in the DRC, the real test of the Washington Accords is pretty simple. It's not whether the president declares there is peace, it's does life become safer, more dignified and more economically secure in local communities.
▶ 0:55:30Today more than 70% of Congolese civilians live in extreme More than 1,100 schools and learning sites have been damaged or turned into shelters with over 1.6 million children out of school in all of Eastern DRC. Nearly 25 million are facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
▶ 0:55:50And since December 1st, at least 500,000 people, including over 100,000 children, have been newly displaced within South So, I just want to echo, I guess, the questions and the concerns because despite these staggering numbers, we continue to hear from Congolese civil society leaders that they have been sidelined in the negotiations. And so, uh it's not a specific question, but hopefully as a follow-up, Ms. Trautmann, I'd love to learn more about specifically Now, you say that they're being engaged.
▶ 0:56:20I want to hear specifically as a follow-up um how that engagement has happened and what the plans are to continue, but I appreciate your commitment to that. I have a couple of questions I do want to get to while we're here today. Um and really grounded in the belief that policy should be grounded in the lived realities, the priorities, and the leadership of the Congolese communities themselves.
▶ 0:56:44Without it, we risk repeating the same top-down approach that has failed the Congolese people for three decades, no matter how strong the diplomatic support looks like from here in Washington. So, my first question today uh is actually building on a local mining We know that the strategic partnership agreement uh includes few requirements for local processing, environmental standards, and revenue sharing.
▶ 0:57:08I'm curious how the State Department will work to ensure that the wealth generated uh and produced by these resources or US-backed firms will actually help drive local economic growth. Thank you so much, Congressman, for the opportunity to address that question. Uh we do want to be clear in our messaging that the US-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement is a big win for Americans and for the United States. It's also a big win for the DRC and the Congolese people.
▶ 0:57:34We worked very closely in coordination with President Tshisekedi and his government to develop this deal, and we are very excited about the implications it holds for the DRC's We do believe that under the deal more US companies will have access to investment opportunities in the DRC.
▶ 0:57:50We know that US companies bring with them the highest operating standards worldwide, which will help with local skills transfer, local job creation, and develop more economic opportunities across the DRC, and we look forward to seeing those actualized as we implement the agreement.
▶ 0:58:07The agreement also includes commitments from the DRC to regulate and formalize the mining sector, so that will help formalize artisanal mining especially, which will help combat exploitation and abuse of local workers, and to help the DRC people benefit from revenue streams from their resources. So, we So, do you all plan to be engaged in those conversations as they're producing that regulation? Yes. Okay, great.
▶ 0:58:32And then secondly, on child soldiers, we know that UNICEF reports that the recruitment and use of children by armed groups has increased by 60% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the control of vast areas by armed groups groups in the eastern provinces of the DRC has entrenched instability, exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
▶ 0:58:51I'm curious how the US government is supporting both country-led and partner efforts, including from agencies such as UNICEF, to stem the recruitment of children who would perpetuate this conflict and ensure even greater opportunity for those children. What active awards does the department have in the DRC that's working to address the needs of these vulnerable children? Thank you so much for the chance to address that issue.
▶ 0:59:14So, I would say we continue to raise the issue of child soldiers at the highest levels in our cooperation with the DRC government. Regulations related to the use of child soldiers obviously prevent uh a significant amount of security cooperation uh with countries that have been deemed to have this issue. So, uh in signing the bilateral US DRC security memorandum of understanding that we established on December 4th as well, uh we've been clear that in order to implement, we do follow, obviously, US regulations.
▶ 0:59:45And the use of child soldiers continues to be of great of grave concern to us within DRC territory. Uh so, we will continue to work on that issue. Uh and in terms of active awards, I can get back to you on specifics, but we do have awards that um address the protection of children and vulnerable communities. Uh so, we do think that through providing these resources, hopefully, children will have alternatives to joining these types of
▶ 1:00:08That'd be great. I look forward to that. Uh thank you for your time. With that, Mr. Chairman, Chairman, I yield. I'd like to you recognize Ms. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you so much, Ms. Chapman, for being here today to answer our questions. My constituents have vocalized their desire to do more work with Africa, especially when it comes to business. So, when this agreement came to fruition, many people were excited about the opportunities.
▶ 1:00:32Florida is a global trade gateway, home to major ports and logistic hubs, and increasingly connected US markets to Africa. Stability between the DRC and Rwanda is essential for secure supply chain, responsible mining, assortment material sourcing, and expanded two-way trade that benefits American workers and businesses.
▶ 1:00:53As Congress looks at President Trump's Washington Accords, it's important to assess how US engagement can reinforce African-led peace efforts, while also supporting economic integration and long-term regional stability.
▶ 1:01:08How is the U- United States working with Rwanda and DRC to advance cross-border trade, infrastructure, and material supply chains in ways that support peace and deliver measurable economic Thank you so much, Congresswoman, for chance to answer that question. Um the US stands ready to help the DRC and Rwanda implement the regional economic integration framework that I mentioned.
▶ 1:01:31So the goal of this framework is to incentivize peace and stability by providing opportunities for the DRC and Rwanda to cooperate on cross-border projects. And we certainly are encouraging US companies to invest in these projects. Uh and we hope to highlight certain efforts that they might want to get involved in as this year progresses.
▶ 1:01:49Uh we also hope that we can uh attract financing possibly from uh our tools like DFC and EXIM uh to support projects like this that will enforce stability and really bring economic economic opportunities to the region. I will say that we continue to emphasize that peace and stability is necessary for uh the DRC and Rwanda to take full advantage of the regional economic integration framework.
▶ 1:02:14So we do look forward to supporting and promoting these opportunities, but we do need to see compliance with the peace agreement first. So do you have any specific incentives that you'll be using mechanisms to support and encourage people to do business? Sure. So we are committed to highlighting opportunities uh in the countries of the Great Lakes region and attracting US support and investment.
▶ 1:02:37This could include events hosted in DC to connect US companies uh and advertise these opportunities also to the DFC and EXIM our financing tools uh and connect them with uh representatives of host governments uh to advertise these opportunities. So that's something we'll continue to work on as the year progresses. And I would welcome any recommendations you might have uh from companies that are headquartered in your district. And what do you believe is a realistic timeline for us to see this coming to fruition?
▶ 1:03:06We certainly hope to see progress this year. Uh we are moving forward on implementing the US DRC strategic partnership agreement already. We hope to have the the meeting of the joint steering committee soon, uh which will discuss opportunities specifically in the DRC that US companies might be able to invest in, and we certainly hope to host uh an event convening uh companies and governments to discuss opportunities under the regional economic integration framework. So, certainly hope to see progress this year. Wonderful.
▶ 1:03:35And what did recent What did the African Union facilitate the talks that were happening in Togo? What did they realistically achieve? Sure. So, we're very grateful for the African Union's uh commitment to supporting the peace process. We were very grateful for their explicit support of the Washington Accords and also the Doha Framework Agreement. Uh we think that their support underpinning both of these processes is absolutely crucial.
▶ 1:03:59Uh the AU has operationalized five former heads of state to take leadership on certain aspects of the peace process. So, as I mentioned, um we certainly hope that this conference strengthened their mandate so that they can move out on uh efforts to incorporate more civil society voices, to elevate humanitarian issues, to help with um an inter-Congolese national dialogue, and things like that. Uh so, we certainly hope to see their mandate uh strengthened as we move forward this year.
▶ 1:04:27So, my last question because we're extremely committed to the success of this accord. It's extremely important that Rwanda and DRC are successful, but also that our businesses can attach and be productive. So, what do you need from Congress to give you the scaffolding for Thank you very much for that support. Uh I would say we welcome your ideas and your thoughts on which companies might be a good fit for investment under these frameworks.
▶ 1:04:53Uh we certainly welcome that feedback, and especially as we do uh hopefully hold events in Washington, we would welcome participation. Uh so, I'll certainly keep in touch with your staff on future
▶ 1:05:03you only having events in DC because if you can come into Florida, we have great weather to have events. [laughter] If we can lure you there. San Diego's very nice also, but you want to come to Florida. We would love to host events. We've been doing a lot of events doing business with Africa and people love it. So, whatever we can do to help, support, and move this initiative forward, we'd love to do. Thank you so much for being here. Thank Uh just a few follow-up questions and I'll yield to my ranking member and I think Dr. Jackson had a question or two.
▶ 1:05:33Um I've read both of the statements that have been submitted by the respective countries. They're very, very good and comprehensive. They both start out from the onset, the DRC, Democratic Republic of Congo, extends its deep thanks to the United States of America and President Donald Trump for facilitating the December 25th peace and prosperity agreement. For the first time in history, they write, a US president has taken a personal interest in ending Rwandan-backed aggression in the war in Eastern DRC.
▶ 1:06:03Uh without objection, that full statement will be made a part of the record. And then, the Rwandans, uh through their distinguished ambassador, write um Rwanda extends its profound gratitude to President Trump and his administration for for prioritizing the Rwanda-DRC peace process. Uh it then points out that the accords represent serious progress towards permanent stability, security, prosperity in the Great Lakes regions.
▶ 1:06:30And they thank everyone from Secretary Rubio starting with President Trump, uh Vance, Massoud Boulos, and uh and and others for making this possible. Again, beautiful statements uh in large part. We're asking that they just implement them. Uh be true to your word. And let me just ask you if I could um the church groups that I meet with the church groups all the time, both both countries, uh CENCO, I've met with them for decades.
▶ 1:06:58Uh they, you know, there's a great deal of faith in each of these countries, people of who really do believe in God, and they do believe in the power of forgiveness, and mercy, and reconciliation. Maybe most of all, reconciliation, cuz that's needed more than anything else. I wonder how well we are working with them to try to get them, the church to do more.
▶ 1:07:22You know, I remember meeting many times with Rick Warren from the Saddleback Church, who had a very strong personal relationship with Kagame. Jim Inhofe, the senator, had a very He used to tell me how he would pray with President Kagame. We sometimes disagreed, and but I would say, you know, peace. Just just tell him there's more that could be done. And the onus does lie with him and the other president, Tek Ché, to do more.
▶ 1:07:52And I'm wondering, you know, if if others, Senator Rounds, I know has a good robust relationship with with Paul Kagame. I think the more people who are raising the issue that they listen to, you know, maybe they listen to our subcommittee, maybe not. Maybe they listen to me or my good friend Ms. But we're not going to go away, and they won't go away. And they may have a a particular influence on saying, let's end the hostilities and end the the the atrocities, and it could happen.
▶ 1:08:23I can't thank you enough for your leadership, and again, the president, you know, as is noted in this one statement from the DRC, Congo, first president. I remember arguing the Clinton with the Clinton administration repeatedly about how they missed it on the atrocities being committed with the And then even after it was all over, there were people following people into the bush to kill them.
▶ 1:08:48We had very, very good witnesses come in and tell us how Refugees International, for example, it's not over. They're hunting people down still. Why is Washington turning the page? So, I don't think the page at all will be turned here and until there is peace and then we need to sustain that peace and and that prosperity as best we can. So, and I'm wondering, you know, we know that both sides agree that the FDLR is a problem and who benefits from the status quo? Um, maybe you could speak to that.
▶ 1:09:17And and again, I can't ask enough that the faith community I remember having meetings in in South Sudan um repeatedly with the president there about how he was excluding the church and they had all these ideas on how they could promote peace and reconciliation and they had an arms length approach with Salva Kiir or he had it with them. I said, "Please, Mr. President, you have an asset here in the church community that is second to Uh, they love people even those who persecute them.
▶ 1:09:47Why not utilize their good offices? So, I hope that that's being done um, very robustly. Bring them into that I know you are but you whatever more could be done and um and and and get more of our members of Congress who have these personal relationships with people like Kagame to do more and um so, if you could speak to that and I'll yield to my ranking member and to Dr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think you're absolutely right.
▶ 1:10:13We greatly appreciate your efforts and the efforts of everyone who has contacts with both DRC and Rwandan representatives to please echo the call for implementation of the Washington Accords. That's the most important thing we can do is to continue to draw attention to the promises that were made to President Trump and enforce the importance of implementation.
▶ 1:10:35So, I would say your point on faith-based groups we of course recognize and appreciate the important faith organizations play in both the DRC and Rwanda. I think that they will play a very important role in upcoming national dialogues and we certainly hope that through the African Union's efforts especially their voices can be incorporated it with civil society and political opposition uh to create um a real genuine conversation uh where we can discuss the the governance issues uh that we hope to resolve
▶ 1:11:05especially in eastern DRC. Um and the governance issues will be obviously discussed in the Doha track as well in future negotiations. Um I would say also that faith-based groups are very important in our foreign assistance implementation. Uh we obviously work very closely with several groups in the DRC uh and really appreciate their support as we continue to deliver this life-saving assistance. Um I would also say to your point about the FDLR uh the FDLR is a legitimate threat. We certainly are not denying that. Um they cannot be allowed to operate in eastern DRC.
▶ 1:11:36Um so we are certainly emphasizing to the DRC government that neutralizing the FDLR as they have committed under these agreements is absolutely essential and we need to see more more steps taken to do that. Um now while the FDLR is a legitimate threat, we do not consider the advance that we have seen from M23 backed by the RDF uh to be targeted at really neutralizing the FDLR. It has gone beyond um the areas where we would see that uh interaction.
▶ 1:12:06So we uh while we recognize the importance of neutralizing the FDLR, we uh must say that that is more a matter of the DRC not fully implementing uh its obligations under the agreements, but this recent advance that we have seen uh with RDF involvement um has been a breach of Rwanda's obligations. So there's a difference in how we're handling those two issues. Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. Ms. Jacobs. Thank [clears throat] you.
▶ 1:12:33Um I appreciate that civil society was consulted on the reef, but I think um it's really important that they are actually included in the peace processes itself. And especially as the United States is making deals under through the strategic partnership agreement, um the reef alone is not enough. Now I'd like to turn to the humanitarian crisis.
▶ 1:12:59In late December, the Trump administration announced a $2 billion commitment through the UN Office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, OCHA, for humanitarian operations in 17 crisis-affected countries, including DRC. Ms. Trautmann, given the crisis in DRC and President Trump's attention to the conflict, what portion of this funding will be used in DRC? Thanks for the opportunity to discuss the OCHA mechanism.
▶ 1:13:26We're very excited about this new and innovative way to deliver foreign assistance. We think that under the OCHA mechanism, we'll be able to respond more flexibly to crises that arise around the world and be more strategic in how we are obligating foreign assistance through the pooled funding mechanisms. While we have seen the high-level obligation to OCHA from the US government, I'm not aware that we've set country-specific levels.
▶ 1:13:54So I look forward to keeping in touch with your staff on that issue as we get more clarity. Okay, and given the depth of need in DRC and other countries, does the administration anticipate or foresee making additional contributions this year? I would say that the DRC certainly remains a strategic priority for US assistance. We remain committed to supporting populations in need and understand that that underpins our economic and security priorities.
▶ 1:14:23So we certainly remain committed to providing assistance in the DRC. Okay, so I guess you will tell me that you do not currently have the details to share what specific humanitarian programs, including funding levels, are ongoing in eastern DRC right now. So I'll say that we over the past year have provided $191 million in life-saving assistance in the DRC. That contribution makes the US The US contributes a 30% of the humanitarian response in DRC according to those numbers. So
▶ 1:14:52send over the specific programs and dollar amounts? We can get you more information on that. Thank you.
▶ 1:14:56Thank you. Um and then I also wanted turn in turn to peacekeeping. I know Chairman Smith asked a few questions, as as you know, the Trump administration cut FY25 funding for UN peacekeeping operations by nearly 50% in two rescissions packages. Um because of these funding shortfalls, the UN has been forced to reduce troop levels for all UN missions MONUSCO by 25%. The FY26 funding bill recently passed by the House would restore funding for UN peacekeeping operations.
▶ 1:15:26Um given the importance of MONUSCO to stability in Eastern DRC, is the administration committed to providing full funding from for the mission? Thank you so much for the chance to address MONUSCO funding. Um as I mentioned, the Secretary did provide uh funding for MONUSCO this year and we look forward to
▶ 1:15:41Full full funding? Um we did fulfill the US obligation, I believe, uh this past year and we certainly remain committed to assessing the mission. Um as I mentioned, we're very um excited that its new mandate provides specific support to the Washington Accords and we look forward to uh supporting the mission being more targeted and strategic and how it advances that are you committed to making sure that MONUSCO is not forced to continue operating with significantly reduced We
▶ 1:16:11certainly remain committed to ensuring that MONUSCO can fulfill its mandate uh properly. We are very concerned, obviously, about the constraints that it faces in terms of access. Uh we even if it was at full levels, the obstruction that we see is really unacceptable. Um so while we are supportive of its mandate, we recognize that it has not been able to fulfill it. Um so we are determining how we can best strategically support MONUSCO in fulfilling its mandate um in whatever way we see best. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 1:16:42Yeah, Yeah, was just going to make [clears throat] one more comment too I think is important to to just highlight I think the big winner in all of this the the the entity that comes out on top is China. And I think this is this happens all over the all over the world as a matter of fact and it happens a lot in Africa that China thrives in this environment where there's a lack of physical security and and and there's there's a lot of corruption and I think that's that describes Eastern DRC you know for the last you know few decades
▶ 1:17:12at least but I think and like China's taking advantage of it and I think they've taken advantage of the people in the DRC and I I just wanted to know are we actively engaging with President Tshisekedi and with the the other government officials in Kinshasa about the problems with the Chinese and you know I would refer to it I wrote it down here as strategic corruption because they will promote this this this instability because it it it keeps their competitors
▶ 1:17:42western investing investment out of of these areas and so until we get past some of that we need to do that I've talked to some American companies that were in the DRC that were subject to this where they were they had regulatory burdens put on them they had overwhelming unreasonable taxation on their businesses and some of it was being driven by relationships with the Chinese with the government in Kinshasa to to promote some of that to kind of eliminate them as competition.
▶ 1:18:11So I think you know many of my colleagues here have asked you know how do we how do we get some of these western countries the United States and other some of our other allies to come in and invest in the DRC and invest in in in the in in become good business partners with with the DRC. I think that until we we address some of this stuff it's it's it's also exceedingly difficult to do that. So have we have we had conversations about that? Absolutely.
▶ 1:18:38Thank you, Congressman, for the chance to elaborate a bit more on the strategic partnership agreement that the US made with the DRC cuz it addresses all of these issues. So, we know that Chinese companies have a vast majority of ownership over critical mineral assets in the DRC, especially copper and cobalt assets. And those are critical for US supply chain security, especially important for our efforts to be dominant in emerging technology and to supply the defense industrial base.
▶ 1:19:04So, part of the strategic agreement, the strategic partnership agreement with the DRC is aimed at making sure that US companies have preferential access to strategic assets in the DRC, which we will work with the DRC to designate. So, the purpose of that is to get US companies in the door, prevent Chinese companies from taking over more of these assets, and to make sure that the off-take is coming to the United States to reduce our reliance on the refined minerals coming from China.
▶ 1:19:31So, certainly this agreement is aimed at reasserting US dominance in the critical mineral sector, also making sure that the DRC is able to profit from its resources cuz as you said, Chinese companies often have the lowest standards. They're exploiting the system, they're exploiting corruption, and we certainly don't want to see that. It's bad for US companies trying to invest. It's bad for the people of the DRC.
▶ 1:19:55So, we are looking forward to implementing this agreement to really cement the opportunities for US companies in the DRC and in these critical mineral supply chains, and also to make sure that China's influence is reduced. And on the issue of corruption, a part of the strategic partnership agreement also addresses regulatory issues, making sure that the DRC's mining sector is cleaned up so that US companies can be more confident when they're investing, and that the regulations are easier to navigate.
▶ 1:20:23So, all of this is aimed at the exact issue that you raised and that we are very concerned with how embedded Chinese companies are in the DRC. Well, thank you. When I travel to to anywhere in Africa, I make the point, anywhere in the world for that matter, because China with their Belt and Road program is is all over the place, but I make a point to everybody that the US is a much better partner than the Chinese.
▶ 1:20:42We're we're there to you know to if if if if if we make agreements you know regarding the natural resources, we're paying for them, you know, and we're paying appropriately for them. We're not robbing these countries of of some of their natural resources, which I think is what the Chinese do. Uh but I do think that like I said before, I think once we get in a situation where we start getting some investment in there, it has to stay in the Eastern DRC. The money does.
▶ 1:21:09The vast majority of it it has to people people that live and work there or that would like to work there but live there have to see you know the infrastructure building up around this and they have to see their lives getting better or quite honestly, it's just not going to it's not going to survive long-term. So, with that I yield back. Thank you. Thank you very much, Doctor. Um just on that point briefly, then we'll we'll conclude the hearing. Um I've had five hearings on the issue of cobalt coming out of DRC Congo.
▶ 1:21:39Uh we've had a numerous people and Ed Royce, my friend and colleague, was very active in trying to promote the idea of hey child labor, 35,000 approximately children are being forced into these mines and dying, in some cases getting very sick, and about 200,000 adults who are under very coercive uh um restraints by the by the Chinese Communist Party who run these. And then where does the cobalt go? It goes to Xinjiang.
▶ 1:22:09I chair the China Commission. We've had hearings there, too. Xinjiang, where the Uyghurs are being so horribly repressed and oppressed, and then it comes here. Now, if we're going to have cars that use cobalt, fine. But don't do it on the backs of children and forced labor.
▶ 1:22:25And so our bill, which again I hope is moot because of this agreement would provide a rebuttable rebuttable presumption that anything coming out of DRC that goes to China has been tainted with slave labor and child labor and therefore is inadmissible to the United States.
▶ 1:22:45We got a major portion of like I said before passed in the way Ways and Means but if all this fails we're right back to doing that and and and we also have a strategy embedded in the bill cuz we want the people in DRC Congo to enjoy the fruits of all of that richness that they have and let them be blessed with it not the Chinese Communist Party that's using it to build out their military capabilities and to oppress maybe Taiwan next certainly Hong Kong and their own people.
▶ 1:23:14So you know this this is so important that this prevail and again we want the people of DRC Congo to benefit. You know whether be a with a friendly African country or some other true democracy that's where you do the with safeguards that protect not just those who mine it but those who who process it later. You don't have that with China just doesn't exist under a dictatorship. So thank you and I want to thank my friend and colleague for raising those kinds of important issues.
▶ 1:23:43I want to thank you Secretary Chalman for your valuable testimony for your very clear and well informed answers. And to the members of our committee including our distinguished ranking member Ms. Jacobs for asking her good questions as well.
▶ 1:23:58The members of the sub committee may have some additional questions for the witnesses witness and we will ask you to respond to these in writing if you would pursuant to committee rules all members may have five five days to submit statements questions and extraneous materials for the record subject to the length limitations and without objection the committee stands adjourned.