U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the SpokespersonFor Immediate Release February 18, 2022 Press inquiries :  OES-PA-DG@state.gov MEDIA NOTE Assistant Secretary Monica P. Medina’s Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Assistant Secretary Monica P. Medina will travel to the Democratic Republic of the …

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Tobin Bradley visited the DRC July 28-August 2 in support of the U.S.-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, plus Preservation of the Environment. During a meeting with President Felix Tshisekedi, the President and DAS Bradley discussed opportunities …

The United States government announces an additional US $6 million for conventional weapons destruction and stockpile management programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The United States has now contributed more than $36 million since 2002 to improve weapons security and accountability, destroy excess and obsolete munitions, and clear landmines and unexploded ordnance …

On August 18, 2020, U.S. Ambassador Hammer launched a new U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), three-year, $3 million program to counter trafficking in persons. The International Organization for Migration is managing the program in coordination with the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo‘s (DRC) national program to bring traffickers to justice and protect victims. …

May 21, 2020   The United States condemns the recent increase in brutal violence by cowardly and vicious armed groups in Ituri province. Over the past month, armed groups have committed barbaric acts against innocent civilians, including women and children. Reports of calls for reprisals and forming militias, which would further raise tensions, are worrying. This wave of violence has …

Dr. Ravi Anupindi, Professor of Operations Research and Management at the University of Michigan, hosted Congolese professionals in shipping and transportation logistics in Kinshasa and Matadi to improve efficiency in the DRC’s supply chains. The November 7 and 9 events gathered logistics operators with government officials to discuss best practices in delivering consumer and humanitarian …

By early May 2018, 21 suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever were reported in and around of Bikoro in the DRC’s Equateur. Provincial health teams began a hemorrhagic fever outbreak investigation, and the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of the Ebola virus in two patients.  On May 8, the Ministry …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson ________________________________ For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING SPOKESPERSON February 19, 2017 Recent Killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo The United States is deeply concerned by video footage that appears to show elements of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo summarily executing …

On behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, we wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the Tshisekedi family and to the Congolese people for the great loss your nation sustained in the passing of former Prime Minister, Étienne Tshisekedi. Mr. Tshisekedi will be remembered as a remarkable statesman and for his extraordinary dedication to …

Statement by John Kirby, Spokesperson January 2, 2017 The United States welcomes the December 31 signing of an inclusive political compromise agreement by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and opposition party leaders. By paving the way for peaceful, democratic elections in 2017, this agreement marks an important and historic step for …

The United States of America condemns the violence that occurred in Kinshasa and other parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) last night and today, following the end of President Joseph Kabila’s second and final term in office. We also condemn the arrests of numerous opposition party and civil society activists by DRC …

The United States welcomes the recent Inaugural Meeting of the Support Group for the Facilitation of the National Dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  While not a member of this Group, the United States endorses the conclusions of the meeting, in which participants reaffirmed the crucial importance of holding a successful national dialogue …

The U.S. Embassy is deeply concerned about the accusations of mercenary activities that were reportedly made during Minister of Justice Alexis Thambwe Mwamba’s press conference on May 4 and that we believe to be false. We are aware of the detention on April 24th of an American citizen who was working in Katanga as a …

The U.S. Embassy joins the government and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as music lovers around the world in mourning the loss of musical artist Papa Wemba on April 24, 2016.  We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. As one of the premier African singers of …

U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello is in the midst of an extended trip that started on April 4, 2016 in Paris, France, and Brussels, Belgium, and includes stops in Geneva, Switzerland; Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); Bujumbura, Burundi; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, through …

The U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is deeply troubled by the expulsion on April 7 of noted researcher and current Center on International Cooperation Senior Fellow and Director of the Congo Research Group Jason Stearns. Well-documented reports by serious research organizations contribute to a strong democracy by stimulating public discussion of …

The United States is profoundly disappointed by the flawed presidential electoral process in the Republic of Congo. Widespread irregularities and the arrests of opposition supporters following the elections marred an otherwise peaceful vote. The United States calls upon the Congolese Government to correct these numerous deficiencies before scheduling legislative elections in order to bring credibility …

More than 4,500 small-scale coffee farmers supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are attracting international buyers and making sales to American coffee companies including Starbucks, Counter Culture Coffee and Sweet Maria’s. Today, Starbucks launches a high-quality South Kivu coffee …

The United States congratulates the Congolese people for their active participation in the March 20 presidential elections.  Their enthusiasm and determination to register to vote and peacefully engage, despite many impediments, demonstrates their commitment to democracy. We note numerous reports of irregularities that have raised concerns about the credibility of the process, including the media …

The United States reiterates its ongoing concerns with Uganda’s post-election environment, in which the government and its security forces persistently have violated the rights and freedoms of Ugandan citizens and the media. The continued detention of opposition figures without legal justification, the ongoing harassment of opposition supporters, interference in legal challenges to the election results, …

Dr. Diana Putman, USAID/DRC Mission Director, spoke at a press conference with World Wildlife Fund officials in Kinshasa on Feb. 23, 2016, to congratulate the Congolese authorities on their success in disrupting a network of ivory traffickers. On February 4, 2016, Congolese authorities seized approximately 30kg of ivory tusks and ornaments in two separate operations …

Celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Congolese Constitution On this February 18, 2016, we congratulate the Congolese government and people on the tenth anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution, which remains an enduring expression of consensual national values.  The Constitution is the product of long negotiations and compromise by a broad range of …

The United States is troubled by the harassment and detention of peaceful activists and opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including those detained in connection with this week’s general strike. These detentions stifle the free expression of diverse political viewpoints, contributing to a closing of political space while undermining the credibility of …

Statement by John Kirby, Spokesman The United States welcomes the recent announcement that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) have signed an agreement to permit resumed cooperation against illegal armed groups.  This agreement follows nearly a …

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is now accepting applications for the 2016 Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. The deadline for applications is December 31st 2015. No extensions will be granted. Please contact Cultural Affairs Team at PASKinshasaGrants@state.gov for more information and to receive the necessary paperwork. Since its creation by the …

The Elton John AIDS Foundation and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief join forces to help end stigma and HIV/AIDS for LGBT people London 4th November: The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) launched on November 4th a $10 million partnership that will provide …

The United States is alarmed by the escalating violence in Burundi and dangerous, irresponsible rhetoric on the part of the government, loyalist militias, violent anti-government forces and criminal elements. The United States will support the region and our partners in the international community so that those who commit or incite violence are held accountable. We …

Press Statement by John Kirby, Department Spokesperson The United States is disappointed by the deeply flawed process that culminated in the recent referendum on a new constitution for the Republic of Congo. The credibility of the referendum process was marred by violence, intimidation, and severe restrictions on basic freedoms. In its aftermath, the United States …

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall is traveling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from October 18-24, 2015. While in the DRC, Under Secretary Sewall will discuss bilateral and regional issues, including the need to ensure timely, credible, and peaceful elections; combat sexual and gender-based violence; …

Press Statement by John Kirby Department Spokesperson The United States is concerned by the September 18 convictions of four young activists and members of the group “LUCHA” (Lutte pour le changement or “struggle for change”) by the Superior Court of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the impact that cases such as this could have …

Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello will return to the region on August 18 to visit Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.), and Angola. The Special Envoy’s trip will focus on upcoming elections in the region in furtherance of President Obama’s policy in support of democratic transitions. …

Press Statement by John Kirby Department Spokesperson Today’s inauguration in Burundi demonstrates the ruling party’s intent to ignore the voices of its people in pursuit of its own political agenda.  An inauguration – without a government that represents the population’s many political voices and without a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue – will not resolve the …

The Governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States will host a Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Workshop in Kinshasa, August 24–26, for the Economic Community of the Central African States.  U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, James Swan and a high-level official from the DRC Government will provide remarks along …

Press Statement John Kirby, Department Spokesperson The United States warns that elections held under the current conditions in Burundi will not be credible and will further discredit the government. The legitimacy of the electoral process in Burundi over the past few months has been tainted by the government’s harassment of opposition and civil society members, …

Ambassador Swan: Good afternoon, everyone.  Welcome.  I’m Jim Swan, the Ambassador here in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It’s my honor to introduce Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski.  He has a distinguished career in senior policy positions at the State Department, previously on our Policy Planning Staff, also on …

Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Tom Malinowski will travel to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from June 1 until June 4. During his visit, the Assistant Secretary will attend a senior meeting of the African Center for Justice Program (ACJ), as well as meet with senior DRC officials and …

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa condemns in the strongest terms the ambush on a MONUSCO convoy last night near Beni, which resulted in the deaths of two Tanzanian United Nations peacekeepers. We recognize and honor the ultimate sacrifice of these soldiers, who are part of a United Nations mission dedicated to bring peace and stability …

The United States remains deeply concerned by the ongoing detention, without formal charges or regular access to legal counsel, of youth activists by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  At least three youth members of the “Filimbi” movement detained during a peaceful civil society event in the capital Kinshasa have been held …

President Obama spoke today with President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  The President emphasized the importance of timely, credible, and peaceful elections that respect the DRC’s constitution and protect the rights of all DRC citizens.  The President noted that President Kabila’s legacy as a leader who brought the DRC out …

The Government of Kenya has agreed to co-host the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) this July.  Organized annually since 2009, the GES has emerged as a global platform connecting emerging entrepreneurs with leaders from business, international organizations, and governments looking to support them.  This will be the first time the GES will take place in …

USAID Democracy, Rights, and Governance Director, Kevin Sturr, was detained by Congolese authorities along with a number of journalists and other participants attending a press conference in Masina on Sunday, March 15. While we have not yet been officially informed as to why he was detained, Mr. Sturr was attending a press conference about a …

Statement by Jen Psaki, Spokesperson The United States welcomes the publishing of the global electoral calendar for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). We look to the important presidential elections scheduled to take place on November 27, 2016, in line with the DRC constitution, as an opportunity …

Statement by Jen Psaki, Spokesperson The United States welcomes the announcement by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of the start of military operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group that has inflicted immeasurable suffering on the civilian population of eastern DRC and Rwanda …

Press Statement by Jen Psaki Department Spokesperson The United States welcomes the Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s approval of electoral legislation that sets the country on course towards timely elections in line with its Constitution. We applaud the efforts of the National Assembly and the Senate to reach consensus and ensure that presidential elections …

Statement by Jen Psaki, Spokesperson The United States is deeply concerned after a third day of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the National Assembly’s passage of electoral legislation and as the Senate began consideration of similar legislation. ‎ The United States is troubled by reports of widespread violent demonstrations, looting, unlawful …

The United States is concerned about reports of violence in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the National Assembly’s passage of electoral legislation. The United States stresses the importance of protecting political space and ensuring that all citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and exercise their rights to free speech. We urge all …

In anticipation of imminent military operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the United States commends the combined military action begun January 5, 2015 by the DRC armed forces (FARDC) and United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) against the Burundian rebel group, National Liberation Forces …

The United States is deeply concerned by the brutality and the increasingly frequent attacks on the civilian population of Beni territory, North Kivu, that have left almost 200 dead in the last 45 days, including women and small children.  We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this horrific violence.  The …

The United States is deeply concerned by the brutality and the increasingly frequent attacks on the civilian population of Beni territory, North Kivu, that have left almost 200 dead in the last 45 days, including women and small children.  We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this horrific violence.  The …

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is now accepting applications for the 2015 Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. The deadline for applications is December 20th 2014. No extensions will be granted. Please contact Cultural Affairs Assistant, Nathalie Tshiamala at  TshiamalaN@state.gov  for more information and to receive the necessary paperwork. Since its creation …

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is proud to announce that in coordination with the American non-profit organization Books for Africa, 16,000 books donated by American schools, libraries and individuals will be distributed to schools and libraries throughout the DRC.  This Saturday, September 27, from 12:15-14:00, the Embassy will host headmasters and teachers from over 200 …

Dr. Jill Biden will travel to Zambia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo from June 30 – July 7, 2014. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Catherine Russell, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, will also travel with Dr. Biden. During their travel, Dr. Biden, Administrator …

The US Embassy has announced that it will make $200,000 worth of humanitarian assistance ($100,000 from the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and $100,000 from USAID’s Food for Peace Program) available to returnees from Brazzaville now gathered in Maluku.  The funds will be transferred immediately to organizations currently involved in the humanitarian response, and …