Nicholas Checker, the United States nominee for ambassador to Rwanda, outlined his priorities for the post, including supporting regional peace efforts and promoting economic deals benefiting both the US and the region.
He appeared before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to seek approval for his appointment.
Questions from senators focused on the Washington Accords between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the regional economic framework linked to the peace agreement.
Checker said the economic framework included commitments to improve mineral transparency and traceability, secure critical mineral supply chains and create a favourable investment environment.
Implementation remained the main challenge facing the Washington Accords, he said. Issues discussed during the hearing included compliance by the parties and the neutralisation of the FDLR militia.
“The Washington Accords are an important step toward lasting peace, but their success depends on full and verifiable compliance by all parties,” Checker said.
If confirmed, he said he would support the peace process and work to promote stability in the Great Lakes Region.
The nominee also pledged to expand trade and investment between Rwanda and the United States and create more opportunities for American businesses.
He said he would press Rwanda to fulfil its commitments under the peace agreement, including ending actions the US considered destabilising the eastern DRC.
Checker described his proposed approach as an America First diplomacy based on respect for sovereignty, cooperation on shared interests and quiet engagement on values-based issues.
Protecting US citizens in Rwanda and ensuring the safety of American embassy personnel would also be among his responsibilities.
Checker recognised Rwanda’s recovery from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, citing the restoration of security, rebuilding of institutions and creation of a national identity that overcame the divisions which led to the genocide.
President Donald Trump nominated Checker in July 2026. The appointment remained subject to confirmation by the US Senate.
Checker previously served in the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs. He also worked for the Central Intelligence Agency from 2014 to 2025, focusing on conflicts in the Greater Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
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