By Mevlut Ozkan
ISTANBUL (AA) – Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Sunday received US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Congressman Ronny Jackson, in the capital Kinshasa to discuss the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Congolese Presidency.
Stressing Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “must be respected by all," Jackson said: "We will work to ensure that all obstacles that stand in the way of peace are removed so that peace can return to the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo)."
He also expressed the US desire to facilitate investment and work in Congo for American companies.
“To do that, we must ensure that there is a peaceful environment,” Jackson said.
Earlier, a Congolese senator sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pitching a strategic partnership for minerals and security amid the M23 rebel offensive in eastern Congo.
The rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo since December, capturing Goma and Bukavu.
In March, the rebels captured Nyabiondo, located 110 kilometers (68 miles) northwest of Goma in North Kivu province, after days of fierce fighting between government forces and the pro-government militia, Wazalendo.
The conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of residents to surrounding territories and neighboring countries, according to the UN.
Congo and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 revels. Rwanda has denied the allegations.