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Top U.S. Diplomat Visits DR Congo and Rwanda Amid Tensions

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed for Rwanda on Wednesday August 10, 2022 after meeting with Democratic Republic of Congo leaders to discuss tensions and human rights challenges in Africa's Great Lakes region.

The State Department said Blinken's visit to Kigali is part of continuing efforts to engage with African leaders on U.S. strategy for sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim of strengthening U.S.-Rwandan relations.

Key issues to be addressed during Blinken's visit are the tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other conflicts in the region, Voice of America reports.

Blinken arrived in DR Congo on Tuesday August 9, 2022. He was expected to raise concerns that tensions with neighbouring Rwanda could spread instability in the region. Voice of America reports that political analysts say the U.S. is also concerned about Russia and China's access to rare earth minerals in the DR Congo.

Blinken is visiting the DRC and Rwanda as part of his second trip to Africa as the U.S. top diplomat. He has already visited South Africa on his trip.

Freddie Everett / U.S. State Department / Flickr (Public Domain)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken Departs Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on August 10, 2022.

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