The United States is intensifying efforts to broker a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda within two months.
The accord, planned for a White House signing, is tied to lucrative mineral deals set to unlock billions in Western investment.
Massad Boulos, senior advisor to President Trump on Africa, confirmed the twin-track strategy during an exclusive interview in Doha, Qatar.
“When we sign the peace agreement, the minerals deal with the DRC will be signed that day,” Boulos told Reuters.
A parallel deal with Rwanda is also expected, though on a smaller scale, reflecting the differing sizes and resources of the two nations.
The push for peace comes amid a surge in violence as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advance in eastern Congo—a conflict Rwanda denies fuelling.
As part of the process, both countries are expected to submit draft peace agreements this Friday under terms agreed in Washington last week.
A key round of diplomacy will follow in mid-May, when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts both foreign ministers in Washington.
Before any deal is signed, Washington demands Rwanda withdraw its troops from Congo and end all support for M23.
Congo, in turn, must respond to Rwanda’s concerns over militia threats, particularly from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
The envisioned agreements extend beyond mining rights, targeting infrastructure development and mineral processing in both nations.
Boulos said U.S. and Western firms are poised to invest heavily once security and economic accords are in place.