DR Congo targets US minerals agreement by end of June

Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo are hopeful that an agreement with the United States to boost investment in critical minerals could be finalized by the end of June, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The deal is expected to include U.S. support in addressing an ongoing rebellion in eastern Congo, which Kinshasa says is backed by Rwanda.

Under the terms being discussed, Congolese resources such as tin, tungsten, and tantalum—long believed to be smuggled by Rwanda—could instead be legally exported to Rwanda for processing as part of a broader peace initiative reportedly being brokered by Washington, according to a recent Reuters report.

While both a U.S. investment pact and a separate peace accord with Rwanda are on the table, sources close to the discussions caution that significant challenges remain before any agreement can be reached.

Congo’s Mines Minister, Kizito Pakabomba, told the Financial Times that a potential deal with the United States would help the country broaden its international partnerships and reduce reliance on China for mineral exploitation.

Kinshasa blames the illegal extraction of its minerals as a major factor fueling the conflict with M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda.

Authorities accuse Kigali of smuggling mineral resources worth tens of millions of dollars across the border each month, which are then sold from Rwanda.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, recently said Washington is pushing for a peace accord between Congo and Rwanda to be signed this summer, alongside mineral agreements expected to unlock billions in Western investment for the region.

Rwanda, however, maintains that its heightened border security measures are necessary as long as instability and threats continue to emanate from the DRC, according to government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, as reported by the FT.

The U.S. State Department has yet to comment, Reuters noted.