International Press Release Submissions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Declaration of Principles Signing Ceremony

April 25, 2025: SECRETARY RUBIO:  Thank you all for being here today.  It’s – I’m honored to be here with my counterparts, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for the – to witness the Declaration of Principles for peace in the eastern DRC.  It’s a declaration that establishes a fundamental understanding of regional governance, security, economic frameworks, and to end the fighting and allow the region to reach its full potential. The eastern part of the Democratic Republic has seen 30 years of conflict.  Durable peace and long-lasting economic development is not going to be easy, but it is important.  And having both of my counterparts here, the foreign ministers of these respective countries, demonstrates the beginning of a strong commitment to having the conversations that we need to have in order to reach a resolution. I’m proud to work for a President who’s made peace, stable global peace, a priority of this administration, and today is evidence of that.  He wants to see a peaceful resolution in many parts of the world, but he wants to see a peaceful resolution here, and we want to play a constructive, productive, and important and key role in ensuring that that can happen.  And a durable peace in the Great Lakes region will open the door for greater U.S. and broader Western investment, which will bring about economic opportunities and prosperity.  And it will also help advance President Trump’s prosperity agenda for the world.  It’s, as they call it, a win-win for everyone involved – for the United States, for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and for Rwanda. Our firms are good corporate citizens, American firms, and they’ll bring good governance and ensure responsible, reliable supply chains for things like critical minerals that benefit regional governments and our partners and allies as well.  This economic development, combined with durable peace – and I would say durable peace comes before economic development; …


Source: MyPR International

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ambassador Dorothy Shea Chargé d ’Affaires ad interim New York, New York February 19, 2025 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you SRSG Bintou Keita and Special Envoy Huang Xia for your briefings and for your leadership. The United States extends its fullest support to MONUSCO and all UN personnel supporting peaceful and humanitarian responses to the crisis in eastern DRC. Mr. President and Council members, how many times must we meet to discuss these predictable cycles of violence? For months, we have consistently watched M23 and Rwanda ignore ceasefires, seize territory under false pretexts, and deny intention of further expansion, only to start the cycle anew. We have witnessed M23 sow chaos and wage brutal violence against civilians on the streets of Masisi, Goma, and now Bukavu – all under the disingenuous guise of “liberation” or “restoring order.” The United States strongly condemns the seizure of Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu by M23 and Rwandan forces. We continue to stand in full support of the Congolese people and of their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Once again, we urge M23 to immediately cease its offensives and withdraw from all territories of which it has taken control. We urge Rwanda to cease supporting M23, immediately withdraw its forces from the DRC, and hold accountable those who perpetrate human rights abuses and violations. We now have confirmed reports from Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of summary executions of children at the hands of M23 in Bukavu, among other serious human rights abuses. We condemn these abuses, for which there cannot be continued impunity. We watched with concern Monday’s demonstrations at MONUSCO bases in Goma; we remain alarmed by reliable reports that M23 – with Rwandan support – are orchestrating these protests, which have killed peacekeepers and civilians in the past. We condemn these and all …


Source: MyPR International

Secretary Rubio’s Call With Rwandan President Kagame

Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 28, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Secretary Rubio stressed the United States is deeply troubled by escalation of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the fall of Goma to the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group. The Secretary urged an immediate ceasefire in the region, and for all parties to respect sovereign territorial integrity. Secretary Rubio conveyed the overriding goal of the United States is a durable peace that addresses security concerns and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy. …


Source: MyPR International

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Kwibuka 29

Statement Office of Press and Public Diplomacy April 7, 2023 Twenty-nine years ago, an unimaginable horror occurred. During 100 days of terror in Rwanda, hundreds of thousands of Tutsi were murdered in a genocide – violence incited by hate speech that was directed at minority communities. The Hutu and Twa who dared to oppose these crimes were also killed. Today, we join the people of Rwanda as they pause for Kwibuka – 100 days of mourning to grieve for the innocent lives lost. We stand with the survivors who witnessed these terrible crimes. We honor the bravery of those who stood up and spoke out to stop the killing, fear, and hatred. My career in the Foreign Service includes being in Rwanda in 1994 at the start of the genocide, when I worked as a regional refugee coordinator. Decades later, it is remarkable to reflect on the tremendous transformation the people of Rwanda have made. The United States is proud to stand with the people and Government of Rwanda in their efforts to overcome the terrible legacy of one of the darkest chapters in human history. We commend Rwanda for choosing to pursue justice for the victims, which contributed to the communal healing from the deepest of wounds and helped reconcile a nation. As we stand against hate, let us renew our commitment to the UN Charter to ensure that mass atrocities like this never occur again. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Kwibuka 29 Submission Details Author: Africa Media from . More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Release of Paul Rusesabagina

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State March 24, 2023 I welcome today’s release of Paul Rusesabagina by the Government of Rwanda. It is a relief to know that Paul is rejoining his family, and the U.S. Government is grateful to the Rwandan Government for making this reunion possible. We also thank the Government of Qatar for their valuable assistance that will enable Paul’s return to the United States. The United States believes in a Rwanda that is peaceful and prosperous. We reaffirm the principle of seeking political change in Rwanda and globally through peaceful means. There is simply no place for political violence. I thank those across the U.S. Government who have worked with the Rwandan Government to enable this outcome. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Release of Paul Rusesabagina Submission Details Author: Africa Media from . More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Biruta

Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 1, 2023 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta today. They discussed regional security issues of mutual interest, including how to arrest the deteriorating situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and how to promote stability in the Central African Republic. Deputy Secretary Sherman underscored U.S. support for regional mediation on eastern DRC and dialogue led by Angola and the East African Community and stressed the importance of action by all parties to end military conflict and accelerate the political process. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Biruta Submission Details Author: Africa Media from . More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Rwandan President Kagame

Readout Office of the Spokesperson December 5, 2022   The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss the importance of peace and stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Secretary Blinken expressed strong support for regional mediation and dialogue led by Angola and the East African Community. He underscored the need for concrete progress on and implementation of commitments made during these discussions, including the November 23 Luanda Mini-Summit on Peace and Security communiqué. Secretary Blinken made clear that any external support to non-state armed groups in the DRC must end, including Rwanda’s assistance to M23, an armed group that has been designated by the United States and the United Nations. Secretary Blinken also shared deep concern about the impact of the fighting on Congolese civilians who have been killed, injured and displaced from their homes. Secretary Blinken condemned the resurgence of hate speech and public incitement against Rwandaphone communities, recalling the real and horrible consequences of such rhetoric in the past. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Rwandan President Kagame Submission Details Author: Africa Media from The Africa Regional Media Hub. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact The Africa Regional Media Hub Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Export-Import Bank of the United States President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis Addresses Berne Union Annual General Meeting in Rwanda

Export-Import Bank of the United States Press Release Kigali, Rwanda November 7, 2022 Reiterates New Era for U.S.-Africa Relations and Potential for Strategic Partnerships in Key Sectors During Second Stop on Africa Tour During her second stop on her trip to Africa as President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), Reta Jo Lewis on Monday addressed the annual general meeting of the Berne Union, a meeting of global export credit agency (ECA) heads and reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to forge partnerships to create shared prosperity for Africa and the U.S through exports. Rwanda MeetingDuring the panel discussion, “Integration of Sub-Saharan Africa into Global Value Supply Chains,” Chair Lewis said, “As President and Chair of EXIM with a mission to support U.S. exports through our mandate on sub-Saharan Africa, we are here to find a way to get to yes through partnerships in key sectors such as renewable energy and critical minerals to provide American-made products, support Africa’s move up the value chain in driving economic growth and to create shared prosperity.” Chair Lewis reiterated that EXIM is building on the Biden-Harris Administration’s actions and commitments to deepen our engagement and partnerships in Africa during the past year. Chair Lewis also highlighted that EXIM is back and eager to forge new alliances to advance investment opportunities between the U.S. and Africa as part of the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa and Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. During the conference, Chair Lewis met with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), held numerous bilateral discussions including with Berne Union AGM host, Africa Trade Insurance CEO Manuel Moses, many private insurers, multilaterals and ECA heads and their teams, to advance critical partnerships with key players in the infrastructure, banking, technology and energy sectors. As a member of the U.S. Delegation to …


Source: MyPR International

The Trial of Félicien Kabuga for Genocide in Rwanda

Press Statement Ned Price, Department Spokesperson September 29, 2022 The United States welcomes the opening statements in the trial of Félicien Kabuga at the Hague branch of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the successor mechanism to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity, Kabuga is accused of acting as the primary financier of the militia and political groups that perpetrated the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. After nearly a quarter century as a fugitive, Kabuga faces prosecution for allegedly using his power, vast resources, and influence to incite the killing of hundreds of thousands of Tutsi civilians. He is accused of enabling the radio broadcast of messages identifying and denouncing Tutsis, as well as providing weapons and transport to Interahamwe militia members who carried out acts of genocide. The United States strongly supported the establishment of the ICTR by the United Nations Security Council and worked closely with the IRMCT in the long effort to bring Kabuga to justice, including by offering a reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction through the Office of Global Criminal Justice’s War Crimes Rewards Program. Nearly three decades after the genocide, the United States, through the War Crimes Rewards Program, continues to seek information leading to the arrest of the four remaining suspects indicted by the IRMCT. We commend the milestone of this trial and remain dedicated to pursuing justice for the victims. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. The Trial of Félicien Kabuga for Genocide in Rwanda Submission Details Author: Africa Media from The Africa Regional Media Hub. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact The Africa Regional Media Hub Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Meets with African Diaspora Youth and Mandela Washington Fellows in Washington, D.C.

Department of State Press Release August 16, 2022 On the heels of his trip to South Africa, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Secretary Blinken joined young members of the African diaspora and several Mandela Washington Fellows for a conversation at the Swahili Village Restaurant in Washington, D.C. Before opening the floor for discussion, the Secretary underscored the importance of U.S.-Africa interconnectedness and the power of exchanges such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which build bridges between our countries, cultures, and communities. The Fellowship is the flagship exchange program of the Young African Leaders Initiative. Whether it’s combatting COVID-19 or climate change, defending human rights and access to education, or working to strengthen our democracies, Secretary Blinken emphasized that it is more important than ever for the United States and African countries to find ways to collaborate and coordinate. His full remarks can be found here. Highlights: “This trip, again, underscored for me that so many issues that we now consider global priorities and that we’ve talked about – including, for example, the interconnectedness of our health and our climate – are actually championed first in Africa by African citizens and nations. In South Africa and beyond, we heard how our respective civil rights movements had inspired and energized each other over the generations, and we still find that today.” "And precisely because Africa represents so much of the future as well as the present, it’s in our interest to find ways to deepen our cooperation. The partnership that we’re looking for extends well beyond government. It goes to civil society and NGOs; it goes to the private sector; it goes to citizens more broadly. And we had an opportunity on the trip to connect across these many different groups..." "The main point for our strategy is this: It doesn’t treat democracy as an issue where Africa has problems and the …


Source: MyPR International