U.S. and African Leaders Collaborate to Tackle Peace and Security Challenges in Sudan & Eastern DRC

In a concerted effort to strengthen ties and advance peace and security across Africa, senior U.S. officials joined forces with African leaders during the recent African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. This gathering underscored a shared commitment to address the continent’s pressing challenges, particularly in regions plagued by conflict and instability.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, alongside Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Michael Hammer, and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan, John Godfrey, delineated the U.S.’s robust engagement with African institutions. Their discussions centered on the crises unfurling in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan—areas where peace feels both paramount and elusive.

The U.S. delegation’s journey to the African Union Summit was not merely a diplomatic formality but a testament to the enduring partnerships aimed at fostering peace and stability. Phee’s narrative painted a vivid picture of a week filled with diplomacy and dialogue, highlighting the U.S.’s deep-rooted commitment to the continent’s well-being. “Our visit to Addis reflects our strong partnership with African institutions and countries,” Phee stated, emphasizing the collaborative approach to solving shared challenges.

Efforts to de-escalate tensions in the eastern DRC were a focal point of their mission, with Phee personally engaging with regional leaders to defuse the situation. The U.S.’s diplomatic endeavors seek to support regional diplomatic efforts, particularly the Luanda and Nairobi processes, aimed at promoting de-escalation and laying the groundwork for lasting peace in the DRC.

In Sudan, the situation remains dire, with Ambassador Godfrey painting a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis. With millions displaced and facing acute food insecurity, the U.S. is deeply concerned about the worsening situation and the continued fighting that threatens to fragment the country further. Godfrey’s engagements focused on the urgent need to halt the violence, facilitate humanitarian access, and support Sudan’s civilians in determining the country’s post-conflict future.

The delegation’s visit to Somalia, as detailed by Phee, was planned to underscore the U.S.’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and support for the Somali National Army. Their discussions aimed at ensuring stability in Somalia post-ATMIS mission, with a clear focus on respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.