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4mo ago

U.S. Drives Congo-Rwanda Peace Talks Tied to Billion-Dollar Mineral Deals

Washington pushes for a White House peace accord linking security commitments and economic agreements as M23 insurgencies intensify in eastern Congo.

Members of the M23 rebel group mount their vehicles after the opening ceremony of Caisse Generale d'epargne du Congo in Goma, North Kivu province in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo
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Overview

  • The U.S. is brokering peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, tying the agreement to multi-billion-dollar mineral investment deals.
  • Both nations are expected to finalize a draft peace accord by mid-May, with a signing ceremony planned at the White House contingent on security and economic commitments.
  • Key conditions include Rwanda withdrawing troops and ending support for M23 rebels, while the DRC must address Rwanda's security concerns regarding militias like the FDLR.
  • The U.S. and Western companies have pledged significant investments in Congolese mining and infrastructure, as well as mineral processing facilities in Rwanda, upon agreement finalization.
  • Civil society leaders in the DRC have expressed concerns over transparency and the potential exploitation of resources under these deals, given the region's history of corruption and conflict.