Marking the 231st Anniversary of the Independence of the United States

[DELIVERY WAS IN FRENCH]

Remarks by Ambassador Roger A. Meece
4 July 2007
Ambassador’s Residence

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to all of you who have accepted our invitation to help celebrate this anniversary of American independence.  As well, my particular thanks to our musicians, Mrs. Julie Vichhi and Mrs. Sandy Francis, who have added so much to the pleasure of this evening.  You have my thanks and admiration.  I also would include a salute to members of the United States Marine Corps Embassy Detachment who are representing the U.S. very well this evening, as they do every day at the Embassy, and at many locations around the world.  I am proud to have them here as a part of this evening’s event.

Distinguished guests,

Two hundred and thirty one years ago today, a declaration was published that launched a great experiment.  That Declaration of American Independence established the idea of government based on the sovereignty and authority of the people.  Publication of that Declaration opened a new era in the evolution of democracy.  That experiment continues, a permanent process, as democracy must be to be successful.  It continues in the United States, and in many other countries.  I am very happy to note that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has joined that group.

Building democracy is not easy.  The U.S. has experienced many long and difficult trials, including a terrible Civil War and other crises that threatened the future of the country.  Many people over many years believed the American experiment would fail.  They were wrong.

Here and now, with successful elections only less than a year ago, a democratically-based Congo likewise faces very difficult challenges.

Roughly two weeks ago, I participated in a memorial service for Serge Maheshe, a dedicated professional journalist for Radio Okapi, who was tragically killed in Bukavu as he pursued his commendable work.  We all know, however, too well that Mr. Maheshe is not the only victim who has given his life.  Millions of others have died in the conflicts and violence that have for too long plagued the DRC, particularly in the eastern part of the country, but here in Kinshasa and elsewhere as well.  Nobody in the Congo has emerged as winners as a result of that conflict.  Nor will there be winners if violence continues.  Everyone will continue to lose, and the people of the region will suffer most of all.   All communities, all ethnicities lose - and those who lead groups toward further conflict betray the people they claim to represent.

The killings and deaths must stop.  Now is the time for all of us – for all people of good will, whether Congolese citizens, government officials, those of us in the international community, everyone - to send a strong and very clear message.  To those who seek to prolong conflict - your time has passed and the time of impunity is over.  The Congolese people – indeed, all the people of the region - deserve no less, and we are all united to put an end to conflict.

Establishing durable peace and security does not happen automatically.  Enormous challenges remain, but I think it worth emphasizing that great progress has already been achieved.  The Congolese people, participating in the tens of millions, accomplished last year one of the most impressive achievements I have seen in my lifetime – ensuring remarkably successful democratic elections.  I think the Congolese people made very clear their will and expectations for a new peaceful and democratic Congo.  Now the work is underway to translate those aspirations to concrete action. 

I have celebrated many U.S. Independence Day holidays over many years in Kinshasa.  This is the first in a democratic Congo.  That represents a huge step forward - but the agenda remaining is full.   A true national, republican, and integrated army must be created, and it must be capable of defending the Congo against all security threats.  I wish the Minister of Defense and the new FARDC Chief of Staff well, and may they move forward with this as rapidly as possible.  Foreign armed groups still operating in the DRC must go home, and all armed groups outside the integrated army disarmed.  The education, health, and justice systems must be rebuilt, and national road and other infrastructure established so that private sector-based investment and economic growth can flourish.  And perhaps above all, economically sound, corruption-free governance must be practiced for these objectives to be realized.

It sounds daunting, and maybe to some it sounds impossible. These things will not be accomplished in 24 hours.   Nonetheless, I have no doubt that it all can be done.  The “cinq chantiers” set out by President Kabila and Prime Minister Gizenga’s government program establish the framework for this work.

Congo has everything needed for success – not least of all the human resources and capacity to succeed.  Progress, however, requires participation by everyone.  Government leadership is critical.  An active, vigilant and strong parliament is essential, including a fully participating opposition.   Active and accurate reporting by a responsible and free press is also key.  And the citizens of the country must be engaged in permanent dialogue with officials, always demanding accountability for actions and performance.

I can promise you that the United States will remain fully engaged as a partner to support this agenda and the Congolese people, and I know there is a broad array of other governments and organizations with whom we stand who are similarly committed to full support.  We will continue to work together to support Congo’s development.  Like everyone here, I would like to see more rapid progress.  I know, however, that good collaborative initiatives have been launched in many areas, and we intend to build on those foundations.

I affirm to you today, and with no illusions about the difficulty or magnitude of the existing problems, that I remain very optimistic for the future of this country.  I am convinced that the democratic experiment is alive and well here in the Congo.

Dear Guests,

In our nomadic diplomatic lives, we experience a lot of changes.  In coming weeks a number of American Mission staff will be completing tours and departing Kinshasa.  To my great regret, I am among them.  I have been greatly privileged to have served here for the past three years – and as well as during my previous service, and particularly during  a truly historic period in the Congo.  I even enjoyed the many hours of meetings and activities with colleagues in the CIAT during the Transition, as a new chapter was opened in Congo’s history.  Most of all, I greatly value the great warmth and the friendships I have enjoyed here.     

I will certainly be among the many Americans who remain steadfast friends of the Congo.  I would like to take this occasion to convey my sincere thanks to colleagues and friends of all nationalities – to all of you – for your friendship and support during my stay here.

Now, I would like to propose a toast.  In fact, I will propose my toast in multiple parts.  The first part will be to honor the Congolese people, and friends and colleagues here this evening.  The second is to toast the development of a stable, democratic, and prosperous Congo; and the third is to the Congolese and American presidents and continuing strong ties between our peoples.

Thank you for your attention.