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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is pushing to finalize a minerals investment deal with the United States by the end of June, aiming to secure Western funding while addressing ongoing conflict in its eastern regions. Officials in Kinshasa are optimistic that negotiations with Washington will lead to a breakthrough, bringing billions of dollars in investment to the country’s critical minerals sector.
The proposed agreement would allow Congolese minerals such as tungsten, tantalum, and tin—long accused of being illegally exploited by neighboring Rwanda—to be exported legitimately for processing under a peace deal brokered by the US. The initiative is part of broader efforts to stabilize the region, where Kinshasa has accused Kigali of smuggling minerals worth tens of millions of dollars each month.
Congo’s Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba emphasized that securing US investment would help diversify the country’s partnerships, reducing its reliance on China for mineral exploitation. The deal is expected to introduce greater transparency to natural resource supply chains, ensuring compliance with international trade standards.
Washington has been actively pushing for a peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda, with US President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, stating that both sides are committed to resolving the conflict. The US envisions a structured minerals trade that benefits both nations while reducing incentives for illicit extraction.
Despite optimism surrounding the deal, potential obstacles remain. Kinshasa insists that no cooperation on minerals can proceed without the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and their proxies, including M23 rebels. The Congolese government maintains that Rwanda must respect its sovereignty over natural resources before formal trade agreements can be implemented.
Rwanda, meanwhile, has defended its border security measures, arguing that they are necessary as long as threats persist in eastern Congo. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo reiterated that Kigali remains committed to regional stability but will not compromise its security interests.
The US-led negotiations reflect Washington’s strategic interest in securing access to critical minerals while countering China’s dominance in Congo’s mining sector. A recent declaration signed in Washington commits both Congo and Rwanda to establishing formalized mineral value chains, linking extraction sites to processing facilities under US oversight.
As talks progress, the success of the minerals deal will depend on whether both nations can overcome historical grievances and commit to a mutually beneficial framework. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the US-led initiative can transform mineral trade dynamics in the Great Lakes region or whether entrenched conflicts will derail the process.