Ambassador Yvette Kapinga Ngandu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) called on the United States to deepen its partnership on peace enforcement and mineral supply chain transparency during the National Day of Commemoration for the Genocost on August 2, 2026. The observance honors millions of Congolese killed, displaced, or affected by decades of conflict tied to natural resource exploitation. Ngandu emphasized that US consumers and companies hold significant leverage to ensure minerals from the DRC fund community development rather than armed groups.

The commemoration marks the anniversary of the August 2, 1998 invasion by foreign armies and proxies, which triggered the Second Congo War. The DRC enshrined the Genocost into law in 2022, with President Félix Tshisekedi officially launching the National Day of Remembrance in 2023. Ngandu highlighted that the regions enduring the worst violence sit atop some of the world’s richest mineral deposits, which now power everyday American electronics and electric vehicles.

Key Appeals to Washington

Ngandu outlined three specific actions for the US government and private sector:

• Enforce Peace Implementation: Insist on full execution of the US-brokered peace agreement between Kinshasa and Kigali, imposing real consequences for violations beyond the signing ceremony.
• Support Accountability: Back an international justice mechanism for crimes documented in the 2010 UN Mapping Report and advocate for formal recognition of the genocide.
• Ensure Traceable Investment: Demand traceability in critical mineral supply chains so that investments reach Congolese communities, funding schools, hospitals, and jobs instead of militias.

Historical Context and Accountability

The United Nations Mapping Report of 2010 documented 617 incidents of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in the Congo between 1993 and 2003. The report found that many acts could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, with certain acts potentially amounting to genocide if proven in court. No court has ruled on these matters in the sixteen years since the report’s release. Ngandu noted that truth alone is not a substitute for justice.

Steps Toward Recovery

Under President Tshisekedi, the DRC has taken steps toward accountability and recovery, including creating a national fund to compensate victims and signing a peace agreement with Rwanda. Ngandu stated that American companies and consumers must use their leverage to ensure that the minerals extracted from Congolese soil contribute to sustainable development rather than continued conflict.

What the Numbers Show

The concentration of violence in mineral-rich regions highlights a direct correlation between resource wealth and conflict intensity. The 617 documented incidents from the UN Mapping Report underscore the scale of human rights violations tied to these resources. The absence of judicial rulings over sixteen years indicates a persistent gap in accountability, despite diplomatic progress such as the recent peace agreement with Rwanda. This divergence between diplomatic achievements and legal resolution suggests that sustained external pressure is necessary to translate peace accords into tangible security and economic benefits for local communities.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched a national advertising campaign in the United States on June 27, 2026, aimed at reintroducing the country to American investors as a stable and welcoming partner. The initiative, titled "Invest in the DRC," seeks to capitalize on the nation's growing visibility and strengthen the U.S.-DRC partnership. The campaign features a series of 30-second commercials with senior government officials speaking directly to the American public and investors.

The initial advertisements spotlight Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Finance Minister Doudou Likunde. These spots are the first in a series scheduled to run across major U.S. broadcast, cable, streaming, and social platforms throughout 2026. The campaign coincides with the DRC Leopards' participation in the FIFA World Cup on American soil, a moment the government views as optimal for engaging with U.S. stakeholders.

H.E. Ambassador Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United States, emphasized the strategic timing of the launch. She stated that the campaign provides a direct line to American investors and entrepreneurs at a critical moment. The Ambassador highlighted that the DRC is showcasing its culture, leadership, and people to demonstrate its readiness for business.

The launch follows a period of increased international attention for the DRC. Congolese clothing designer Alvin Mak has garnered global recognition for dressing the national soccer team. Additionally, the country's healthcare workers have received worldwide admiration for their response to a historic Ebola outbreak. President Félix Tshisekedi's efforts to stabilize governance and promote economic development have also drawn praise from Washington.

Freddy Shembo, head of APCSC, the agency leading U.S.-DRC investment efforts, noted that the campaign bridges cultural visibility with economic opportunity. He emphasized that the commercials reflect the collaborative nature of the DRC-U.S. relationship. The advertisements are available for viewing on YouTube and various other media platforms.

Key Campaign Figures