Speaking to FRANCE 24 during the UN General Assembly, Massad Boulos, the US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, revealed that the conflicting parties in Sudan’s ongoing war each maintain they are capable of securing a decisive military victory. The interview also touched upon the diplomatic challenges in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
Boulos acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the Western Sahara dispute, admitting that no “imminent solution” is currently visible or tangible. Regarding the tensions between Rwanda and the United States over recent sanctions, he dismissed Kigali’s claims of bias, asserting that the measures in question “can easily be reversed.”
The discussion shifted to the Washington Accords, a peace agreement between DR Congo and Rwanda brokered by the US last December in an attempt to halt fighting involving M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. Despite reports on the ground suggesting the deal is not functioning effectively, Boulos insisted the agreement should be viewed merely as a “launch pad.” He cautioned that diplomatic processes are lengthy, stating, “It’s going to take time.”
When questioned about Rwanda’s continued military presence in DR Congo, the envoy noted there are now “some good indications” of progress. He added that the international community needs to allow these positive signals an opportunity to bear fruit before drawing conclusions.
I am skeptical about these ‘good indications.’ We have heard promises before in Sudan with no real results.
Is diplomacy just delaying the inevitable? Rwanda’s presence in DR Congo seems to be the main obstacle here.
Calling the Washington Accords a ‘launch pad’ feels like spinning. If it is not working on the ground, what is the point?
It is disheartening to hear that both sides believe they can win. The human cost of this continued fighting is unbearable.