Recognizing the urgent need for peace, stability, and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
H. Res. 559 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the urgent need for peace, stability, and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and calling for continued U.S. support for diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region. While it does not create new laws, it outlines the House’s policy preferences and can steer U.S. foreign policy. The resolution emphasizes inclusive dialogue led by Congolese civil society actors (notably CENCO and the ECC), regional and African-led peace processes, governance reforms, and actions to counter corruption and violent groups. It also signals support for U.S.–DRC cooperation on responsible mineral resource management and calls for targeted sanctions and visa restrictions against actors deemed to be fueling the conflict or committing human rights abuses. The resolution cites alarming humanitarian data (mass displacement, hunger, child malnutrition) and reinforces the need to address the role of minerals in funding conflict. It references regional diplomacy (Luanda and Nairobi processes) and names armed groups such as M23, FDLR, and ADF, urging measures to hold responsible parties to account.
Key Points
- 1Recognition and broad support for peace efforts: The resolution states the U.S. should back diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian work to achieve lasting peace in the DRC, including an emphasis on inclusive, national dialogue led by CENCO and ECC that involves civil society, religious groups, political parties, and armed groups to promote unity and good governance.
- 2Regional and African-led mediation: It urges peaceful resolution of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda and supports participation in African-led dialogue processes such as the Luanda and Nairobi talks.
- 3Governance, rule of law, and human rights: The resolution calls for stopping state support for non-state armed groups, respect for the DRC Constitution, human rights, and the cessation of arbitrary prosecutions and denial of official documents to opponents; it also urges combatting corruption and implementing transparent governance and term-limit adherence.
- 4Minerals policy and economic collaboration: It endorses establishing critical minerals–related commercial agreements between the United States and the DRC to advance mutual economic and national security interests and to promote responsible mineral resource management; it also promotes supply chain traceability and due diligence to curb conflict minerals and illicit financing.
- 5Sanctions and accountability: It calls on the U.S. President to sanction corrupt actors and armed groups (including M23, FDLR, and ADF) for atrocities and crimes against humanity, and to pursue targeted sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals and entities implicated in corruption, obstruction of peace, or human rights abuses.