US Urges Congo, Rwanda to Finalize Peace Accord, Mineral Deals

The United States is actively facilitating peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, with the goal of reaching a peace accord accompanied by major bilateral mineral investment deals. Recent meetings in Doha and Washington have focused on resolving the conflict in eastern Congo, where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have advanced, and on establishing ceasefire commitments and economic partnerships. The U.S.-brokered agreements are expected to unlock billions in Western investment for mining and infrastructure, particularly in the DRC’s rich mineral sector, which includes tantalum, gold, cobalt, and other resources vital for global supply chains. While American officials tout the initiative as a path to regional stability and economic development, some analysts and Congolese civil society leaders caution that the primary beneficiaries may be the U.S. and Rwanda, and that past ceasefires have often failed. There is skepticism about whether the tentative deals will require M23 rebels to withdraw from occupied territories, and concerns remain over Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels, which Kigali denies. Overall, the peace process is seen as an important step forward but is still fraught with challenges and uncertainties.