U.S. ambassadorial nominee Nicholas Checker has put regional peace efforts and stronger economic ties with Rwanda at the centre of his proposed agenda if confirmed to represent Washington in Kigali.
Checker outlined the priorities on Sept. 24 during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as he sought approval for his nomination by President Donald Trump.
The hearing comes as Washington remains involved in efforts to implement the Washington Accords between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the United States is also seeking to deepen economic engagement with African countries.
Checker said he would pursue an “America First” diplomacy that, in his words, would be grounded in humility, respect for national sovereignty and cooperation where the two countries have shared interests.
If confirmed, he said he would work to strengthen U.S.-Rwanda relations while looking for opportunities to expand trade and investment.
“I will prioritise expanding our commercial and investment relationship,” Checker told the committee, adding that he would seek new opportunities for U.S. companies interested in operating or investing in Rwanda.
He also described Rwanda’s post-1994 reconstruction as an important part of understanding the country, pointing to its efforts to rebuild institutions and restore security following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Checker said those developments demonstrated the scale of the challenges Rwanda had faced in the aftermath of the genocide and the efforts made to rebuild the country.
Regional security, however, featured prominently in his proposed responsibilities.
Checker said implementation of the Washington Accords would remain an important issue if he takes up the post. He said the agreement represented an important step but would depend on the parties carrying out their commitments.
He said Washington would continue to engage Rwanda on its obligations under the agreement.
“The United States wants a strong and positive relationship with Rwanda, but the Rwandan government must first and foremost live up to the commitments it made to President Trump,” Checker said.
The Washington agreement is part of wider diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in eastern Congo. Separate talks in Doha have brought the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 alliance into negotiations.
Rwanda has said implementation of the Washington process should address the security threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), while Congo has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations Kigali denies.
Checker’s remarks therefore come as Washington seeks to maintain engagement with both Rwanda and the broader regional peace process.
Beyond security, he said he wanted U.S.-Rwanda relations to cover a wider range of political and economic interests, including opportunities for American companies.
Checker was nominated by Trump on July 21 to become the next U.S. ambassador to Rwanda. His nomination remains subject to the Senate confirmation process.
If confirmed, Checker would replace Eric William Kneedler, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Rwanda.
Checker has held senior roles in U.S. government agencies, including the State Department and National Security Council, and previously spent more than a decade at the CIA.
