In response to renewed U.S. sanctions imposed under President Donald Trump’s second term, the government of Denis Sassou Nguesso is intensifying its diplomatic outreach to secure Congo-Brazzaville’s removal from the American “Travel Ban” list. Behind closed doors in Washington, negotiations are progressing, combining talks on access to strategic resources with proposals for regional geopolitical alignment. The outcome may soon reshape bilateral ties.
Congo-Brazzaville, currently listed under the controversial U.S. travel restrictions, has been quietly but actively seeking to restore normalized relations with Washington. Over recent weeks, discreet talks have been held in the U.S. capital, with growing indications that these efforts could lead to the country’s removal from the list originally implemented during Trump’s first administration.
According to multiple diplomatic sources, the American president may be open to lifting the restrictions—on the condition that Brazzaville agrees to certain political and economic terms.
Strategic Leverage in Negotiations
Among the most credible scenarios, the Trump administration is expected to request Congo’s explicit support for the “Washington Accord” recently signed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This agreement seeks to stabilize the Great Lakes region and secure American interests in a resource-rich area critical to global supply chains.
In exchange for relaxing sanctions, Washington may also seek privileged access to Congo’s strategic natural resources, including oil and rare minerals. A broader trade agreement that supports U.S. commercial interests could also become a central pillar of the negotiations.
Why a Quiet Diplomatic Approach?
Brazzaville has opted for discretion in its negotiations, aiming to shield the process from political interference—whether domestic or regional—and avoid the media spotlight that could complicate progress. By conducting discussions away from public scrutiny, Congo hopes to reach substantive outcomes without compromising its economic sovereignty.
Investor interest in Congo-Brazzaville is already on the rise, evidenced by the recent economic partnership signed with the United Arab Emirates. This momentum could strengthen Brazzaville’s negotiating position in Washington.
Brazzaville’s special envoy in Washington
A recurring figure in the negotiations is Françoise Joly, Special Advisor to President Sassou Nguesso. According to BrazzaParisInfos, she was recently seen in Washington, where she is reportedly spearheading efforts to defend Congo’s strategic interests with recognized effectiveness. Her office declined to comment when contacted.
A Presidential Visit on the Horizon?
Should the talks continue to progress, an official pre-visit by President Sassou Nguesso to Washington may be scheduled in the coming months. Such a visit would carry strong symbolic weight, potentially marking the formal end of Congo’s inclusion on the travel ban list and the beginning of a new era in U.S.–Congo relations built on cooperation and mutual interests.
For now, Brazzaville’s diplomats continue their behind-the-scenes work, pursuing a resolution that balances national interests with international expectations.