Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi said Monday that a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Rwanda has failed to calm eastern Congo’s deadly conflict.
The June 27 agreement, mediated by the Trump administration, sought to end alleged Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group, blamed for atrocities. Washington has pushed to halt the violence that has killed thousands this year and promised billions in Western investment for Congo’s mineral-rich regions.
Despite welcoming U.S. mediation, Tshisekedi stressed that Congo will retain control over its mineral wealth, refusing to “auction” resources to foreign partners. He highlighted plans to develop the mining sector, enhance the value chain, and expand infrastructure, particularly focusing on energy projects across the country.
Congolese authorities insist that the deal’s success depends on Rwanda ending support for M23, which Kinshasa accuses of escalating violence in the east. Tshisekedi claimed Rwandan troops only feigned withdrawal while continuing to aid the rebels, despite Kigali denying any involvement in M23 operations.
Earlier this year, Qatar facilitated a surprise meeting between Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, producing a ceasefire and direct talks with M23. The two sides missed an August 18 deadline for a peace agreement, as M23 demands prisoner releases before negotiations can progress further.
Government officials counter that prisoners can only be freed once a formal agreement is signed, though some progress on exchanges is reported. Tshisekedi said the Red Cross is preparing to oversee a potential prisoner swap, signaling cautious optimism amid continuing tensions and uncertainty in eastern Congo.