The United States of America remains ready to use all the tools at its disposal, including sanctions, to ensure that those who threaten human rights, the democratic process and the prosperity of DR Congo are held accountable and punished.

According to the United States Special Envoy for the African Great Lakes Region, Peter Pham, the purpose of these sanctions is to encourage the Congolese authorities to bring those who have been sanctioned to justice.

« Sanctions are being taken to help Congo bring those sanctioned to justice. When the justice system is on foot and the judicial process is successful, something can be done. Sanctions give a signal. The final decision on lifting these sanctions rests with the US authorities, » Pham said after his meeting with President Tshisekedi last week in Washington.

#RDC Pour @DrJPPham, la levée des sanctions #USA contre des ex. officiels congolais relève des autorités américaines. A quelles conditions? Voici sa réponse malgré l'insistance des journalistes @SMwanamilongo1 et @lusakuenoc via @Zoom_eco à Washington pic.twitter.com/bRCHmtqGpz

— Zoom Eco (@Zoom_eco) October 6, 2019

Clearly, any attempt by the Democratic Republic of Congo to request the lifting of these sanctions could come up against a refusal by the United States of America to accept them.

Nothing to do, even some Congolese officials are willing to prove their innocence in the facts for which they have been sanctioned by the US State Department.

However, in the understanding of the Americans, the investigation of criminal investigations, the probable opening of trials and final judgments could be a necessary but not sufficient factor to achieve the lifting of sanctions. Until this is done, there is no reason for them to change their minds.

https://twitter.com/USEmbKinshasa/status/1179356712110870530?s=20

Within the framework of the strategic partnership in support of the President of the Republic, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, and the Congolese people, the United States of America would not hesitate to impose new sanctions against anyone who threatened and/or violated human rights, the ongoing democratic process and the economic recovery of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During his stay in Kinshasa on March 15, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy also told the head of state during a formal hearing granted to him.

Clearly, the United States of America remains committed to working with the Democratic Republic of Congo to support efforts to fight corruption, attract American investment and ensure the shared prosperity of the Congolese people.

Emilie MBOYO