The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has said that the United States Embassy in Kinshasa, DR Congo, has no authority to address Rwanda on certain matters.
The US Embassy in Kinshasa posted a message on X, saying that President Donald Trump’s administration is deeply concerned about what it described as barriers to trade and investment in Rwanda, as well as issues related to the rule of law and human rights.
The embassy further stated that other areas of concern include security, freedom of expression and political parties, internationally recognised workers’ rights and human rights, as well as actions that undermine the United States’ interests in matters of national security and foreign policy.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe said: “If I remember correctly, the United States Embassy in Kinshasa has no authority over Rwanda.”
Relations between Washington and Kigali have recently been strained, largely following sanctions imposed by the United States on Rwanda over allegations that it supports the M23 rebel group. Rwanda denies the allegations, arguing that such measures will not provide a solution to the insecurity in eastern DR Congo.