President Trump has consistently championed policies that foster economic growth and job creation. Through tax cuts, deregulation, and initiatives aimed at empowering American businesses, his administration has created opportunities that directly benefit our community. We believe his continued leadership will help ensure that the Congolese diaspora thrives in the U.S., contributing to the prosperity of our families and our future generations.
On December 20, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13818, which addressed serious human rights abuses and corruption around the world. This executive order has been significant for Congo, targeting individuals such as Dan Gertler and entities responsible for destabilizing the region and exploiting its resources. By holding these bad actors accountable, President Trump has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the stability and prosperity of the Democratic Republic of Congo, ensuring that the wealth of our homeland benefits its people, not just corrupt elites.
Yes, former President Donald Trump renewed Executive Order 13413 related to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during his presidency. Executive Order 13413, originally issued by President George W. Bush in 2006, addresses the situation in the DRC, particularly in relation to conflict and human rights abuses. The order declares a national emergency concerning the DRC due to the presence of armed groups and their role in perpetuating violence, instability, and human rights violations. It authorizes the imposition of sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on individuals and entities contributing to the conflict, obstructing the disarmament process, or engaging in human rights abuses in the DRC. President Trump, like his predecessors, renewed this executive order annually to maintain the U.S. government’s ability to impose sanctions and take other measures as necessary to address the ongoing crisis in the DRC. This renewal highlights the continuity of U.S. policy concerning the DRC and the ongoing concerns regarding conflict and governance issues in the region.
As the Congolese regime overstayed its mandate in 2016 by not organizing elections, President Donald Trump sent a special envoy to enforce the respect of the constitution. In 2018, he commandeered marines to the region to enforce the will of the Congolese people by dissuading the regime from attempting to circumvent the elections.
After the elections, marred with irregularities, large scale corruption and fraud decried by the Congolese people, President Trump was the only president from the International Community to sanction the corrupted electoral commission leadership. On December 21, 2019, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three senior Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officials pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13413, as amended by E.O. 13671, which authorizes sanctions in light of actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the DRC. OFAC designated three senior CENI officials: Corneille Yobeluo Nangaa , CENI President; Norbert Basengezi Katintima , CENI Vice-President; and Katintima’s son, Marcellin Basengezi Mukolo , a high-level CENI advisor. As a result of today’s actions, all of the designated persons’ assets within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
As many of us come from a background where faith and family are central to our lives, we appreciate President Trump’s strong stance on religious freedom. His administration has worked to protect the rights of all Americans to practice their faith without interference. Additionally, his commitment to traditional family values resonates deeply with our community, reflecting our own cultural and moral principles.
President Trump has taken a realistic approach to U.S.-Africa relations, focusing on combating terrorism, promoting economic partnerships, and supporting African nations in their quest for stability and growth. His administration has made it clear that the U.S. will support efforts to foster development and fight corruption in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This commitment aligns with our hopes for a more secure and prosperous Congo.
As we approach this critical election, we encourage you to consider the impact of President Trump’s policies on our community, both here and in Congo. Your involvement and support are essential as we work together to ensure our voices are heard and our values are represented. Thank you for your continued dedication to our community and our shared vision.
