Reported by Mining.com, citing Reuters – The United States is actively facilitating peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, aiming to sign separate mineral agreements with both countries within two months.
The initiative, led by Massad Boulos, senior Africa adviser to former President Donald Trump, seeks to establish bilateral mineral deals that could unlock billions of dollars in Western investment for the region.
"The agreement with the DRC will be larger, given its size and greater resources, but Rwanda also has significant resources, capabilities, and potential in mining," Boulos told Reuters.
Currently, the DRC is the world’s top cobalt producer and Africa’s largest copper supplier, while also accounting for nearly 70% of global tantalum output. Its eastern region holds vast reserves of tungsten, tin, and niobium-tantalum ores.
For decades, tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have persisted due to ethnic conflicts and competition over control of natural resources. Earlier this year, clashes escalated after the M23 rebel group attacked and seized parts of eastern DRC, including the strategic mining hub of Walikale.
As part of the U.S.-mediated peace process, both nations were required to submit draft peace agreements by May 2, with a high-level meeting scheduled for mid-May. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside foreign ministers from the DRC and Rwanda, will attend the talks.
Boulos emphasized that resolving key issues is critical: Rwanda must withdraw its troops and cease support for M23, while the DRC must address Rwanda’s concerns over armed groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
A multinational oversight committee, including the U.S., Qatar, France, and Togo, is monitoring the peace process.
Source: https://geoglobal.mnr.gov.cn/zx/kczygl/zcdt/202505/t20250507_9326167.htm
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