DR Congo Seeks US Minerals Investment, Peace Support Amid Rwanda Tensions

Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are hopeful of finalizing a deal with the United States next month that would bring American investment into the country's critical minerals sector and support efforts to end a Rwandan-backed rebellion in eastern Congo. The potential agreement, brokered by Washington, could allow Congolese minerals such as tungsten, tantalum, and tin to be legally exported to Rwanda for processing, addressing Kinshasa's long-standing accusations of illegal mineral exploitation by Rwanda. Congo’s Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba highlighted that the deal would help diversify partnerships and reduce dependence on China for exploiting its vast mineral wealth. The conflict with the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda according to UN and Western governments, has intensified since January and is seen as partly driven by the plunder of mineral resources. The U.S. is pushing for a peace agreement alongside the investment deal, aiming for resolutions by the end of June, though significant obstacles remain. Rwanda maintains its military operations are defensive, underscoring the complexity of achieving a lasting peace.