On Thursday, 12 February 2026, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi held a crucial meeting in Kinshasa with Ian J. McCary, the acting head of the United States Embassy in Kinshasa. The conversation focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as deepening cooperation on peace and stability in conflict‑affected eastern regions of the country.
During their exchange, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to meaningful economic and security cooperation, building on the broader framework of the strategic partnership agreement signed between Kinshasa and Washington in late 2025. This agreement emphasises economic development, responsible investment, and increased collaboration across multiple sectors including critical minerals — a theme particularly central to U.S.–DRC relations as global demand for such resources grows.
A key point of discussion was the joint commitment to promote peace, stability and state authority in areas of the east that have been affected by armed conflict and external military presence. The eastern provinces, particularly North Kivu and parts of South Kivu, have been at the centre of insecurity due to the activities of armed groups and the presence of foreign forces, notably linked to the ongoing conflict and competing regional interests. Regional efforts, including peace initiatives and diplomatic engagement, have sought to address these persistent challenges, with external partners — including the United States and African Union mechanisms — supporting frameworks for sustainable peace.
The meeting also reflected broader diplomatic momentum following historic developments in Washington in December 2025, when a peace agreement between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda was signed with support from international partners, aimed at ending decades‑long conflict in the eastern DRC. While that agreement marked a pivotal step toward regional stability, continued diplomatic engagement at all levels remains essential to ensure its implementation and to promote the restoration of Congolese state authority in liberated areas.
According to official communications, President Tshisekedi emphasised the shared vision of both governments: one that combines strategic economic partnerships, respect for sovereignty, and concerted efforts to address security challenges that have long affected local communities. While specific security cooperation measures were not publicly disclosed, the talks signal continued alignment on priorities that intertwine economic interests with peace objectives.
For the United States, engagement with the DRC forms part of a broader approach to support stability in the Great Lakes region, diversify global supply chains for critical resources, and encourage transparent governance. For Kinshasa, deepening ties with Washington is part of a larger strategy to anchor the country within international partnerships that can foster development, security, and economic transformation.
The 12 February meeting between President Tshisekedi and Ian J. McCary reinforces the multifaceted nature of the U.S.–DRC relationship — one that transcends traditional diplomacy to embrace shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity for communities across the Congo.
