Negotiations between Congo and Rwanda, backed by the U.S., could allow Rwanda to process Congolese minerals such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten, which have long been the subject of controversy. The move is part of efforts to resolve the conflict between Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, which has escalated since January.
Sources tell Reuters that under the potential peace deal, minerals mined in Congo could be exported to Rwanda for legitimate processing, reducing the incentives for Rwanda to exploit these resources illicitly. Washington aims to finalize the deal by summer, with a focus on both peace and boosting investment in the region.
The U.S. sees the processing of Congo’s minerals in Rwanda as a way to discourage further military intervention and illegal exploitation by Rwanda. Congo’s government, however, insists that no cooperation can occur until Rwandan troops and M23 rebels withdraw from eastern Congo.
The negotiations could lead to substantial investments in Rwanda’s mining sector, which has so far been largely informal. The U.S. is also eyeing deeper access to Congo’s mineral assets, dominated by China.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that Congo and Rwanda had agreed to establish transparent mineral value chains, in collaboration with the U.S. government and investors.
However, critics argue that economic deals alone won’t address the root causes of the ongoing conflict, which traces back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Previous attempts to foster mining cooperation between the two countries failed, including a 2021 deal that was suspended a year later due to Rwanda’s alleged military support for M23.
Both sides remain deeply distrustful, and analysts caution that the success of any peace agreement hinges on genuine commitment from both governments.