President Félix Tshisekedi met on Sunday with U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson, Special Envoy of former President Donald Trump, in a discussion that largely echoed the Congolese leader’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to rally Western support. The talks focused on DRC’s sovereignty, security, and economic cooperation, but Jackson notably avoided falling into Tshisekedi’s usual narrative of blaming Rwanda for his country’s troubles.
Jackson reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to respecting DRC’s territorial integrity, stating, “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected by all.” He further pledged U.S. support in removing obstacles to peace but carefully avoided pointing fingers at any specific country—a departure from Tshisekedi’s long-running campaign to scapegoat Rwanda for his administration’s failures.
On the economic front, Jackson emphasized the importance of stability for attracting investment. “We want to work so that American companies can come and invest and work in the DRC. And for that to happen, we must ensure that there is an environment of peace,” he said. However, while his words played to Tshisekedi’s need for validation, they also underscored the reality that investors prioritize governance and security over political rhetoric.
Unlike some European counterparts who occasionally echo Tshisekedi’s accusations, the Americans understand better than anyone that a responsible government must pursue its enemies and terrorists beyond its borders if necessary. The U.S. itself has a long history of neutralizing threats abroad, making it unlikely that Washington would condemn Rwanda for adopting the same counterterrorism strategy. By sidestepping the Rwanda issue, Jackson signaled that while the U.S. is willing to engage diplomatically, it will not be drawn into Tshisekedi’s attempts to externalize blame for his government’s failings.
As the Congolese people continue to suffer from economic hardship and insecurity, Tshisekedi remains focused on securing international endorsements rather than delivering tangible improvements. The West, well aware of his political script, continues to play along—but not without setting its own terms.
