Floor SpeechUrgent2026-01-30

REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

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On 2026-01-30, Representative André Carson (D-IN-7) delivered a floor speech titled "REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO" in the House. The speech addressed the environment.

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REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E82-E83] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Friday, January 30, 2026 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce my resolution condemning the ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Dr. King famously said, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' The United States, credible human rights organizations, and civil society have documented and published reports and findings that implicate the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in aiding and collaborating with armed groups and militias, including several that are designated for United Nations sanctions due to human rights violations. Militias engage in illicit mining activities to finance and sustain themselves, often exploiting child labor and engaging in environmental degradation practices that undermine the DRC's economic interests and international treaty obligations. My resolution condemns all acts of violence perpetrated against ethnic minorities throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaffirms that the United States has held and continues to hold the governments of the DRC and Rwanda responsible for upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, in accordance with international obligations. My timely resolution also holds accountable all state security forces that perpetrate atrocities against the civilian population by conducting transparent investigations and prosecutions and taking all additional necessary measures to prevent further atrocities continue progress toward the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, reparation, and resettlement of armed groups in coordination with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2666 (2022). Last, it calls on President Donald Trump to appoint a Special [[Page E83]] Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa, which will be vital to addressing the enduring regional security crisis emanating from eastern DRC. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in condemning the ethnic violence in the DRC. ____________________

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REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E82-E83] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Friday, January 30, 2026 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce my resolution condemning the ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Dr. King famously said, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' The United States, credible human rights organizations, and civil society have documented and published reports and findings that implicate the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in aiding and collaborating with armed groups and militias, including several that are designated for United Nations sanctions due to human rights violations. Militias engage in illicit mining activities to finance and sustain themselves, often exploiting child labor and engaging in environmental degradation practices that undermine the DRC's economic interests and international treaty obligations. My resolution condemns all acts of violence perpetrated against ethnic minorities throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaffirms that the United States has held and continues to hold the governments of the DRC and Rwanda responsible for upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, in accordance with international obligations. My timely resolution also holds accountable all state security forces that perpetrate atrocities against the civilian population by conducting transparent investigations and prosecutions and taking all additional necessary measures to prevent further atrocities continue progress toward the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, reparation, and resettlement of armed groups in coordination with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2666 (2022). Last, it calls on President Donald Trump to appoint a Special [[Page E83]] Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa, which will be vital to addressing the enduring regional security crisis emanating from eastern DRC. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in condemning the ethnic violence in the DRC. ____________________