U.S.-Backed Peace Talks Could Legalize Congo-Rwanda Mineral Trade Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

Efforts are underway to formalize the trade of critical minerals between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, following years of accusations and tensions rooted in illicit resource extraction. According to trusted sources cited by British news agency Reuters, tungsten, tantalum, and tin—collectively known as the "3Ts"—may soon be legally processed in Rwanda under a new peace and trade agreement mediated by the United States.

This development comes amid persistent allegations by Kinshasa that Kigali has long been benefiting from illegally sourced minerals smuggled from its eastern provinces. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of both economic exploitation and direct military support to the M23 rebel movement, whose resurgence since January has significantly destabilized the region.

A Conflict Fueled by Resources

Kinshasa maintains that the looting of its mineral wealth is not merely an economic issue but a central driver of the ongoing armed conflict. Government officials allege that Rwanda funnels millions of dollars’ worth of Congolese minerals across the border each month, deepening regional instability and funding armed groups.

The resurgence of M23, accused of capturing swathes of territory in North Kivu, has further strained relations between the two countries. The DRC government believes that any collaboration on mineral processing must be preceded by a full withdrawal of Rwandan forces and their allies from Congolese territory.

U.S. Diplomacy Steps In

In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has positioned itself as a mediator, seeking to stabilize the Great Lakes region by introducing a framework for legal mineral trade. Massad Boulos, senior Africa adviser to former President Donald Trump, told Reuters that Washington is pushing for a peace deal this summer, underpinned by a minerals agreement that could bring billions in Western investment to Central Africa.

“The vision is clear,” one Western diplomat told Reuters. “If Rwanda can legally profit from Congolese minerals through processing agreements, then there’s less incentive to destabilize its neighbor.”

The idea, according to multiple sources briefed on the negotiations, is to allow minerals traditionally mined in eastern Congo—currently subject to informal, often violent extraction networks—to be exported legally to Rwanda. There, they would be processed under joint oversight, potentially transforming the industry into a formal, traceable, and investable sector.

A Long Road to Transparency

While the concept may seem straightforward, execution remains deeply complex. Mineral traceability systems in the region have been inconsistent, often undermined by corruption and lack of enforcement. Both countries signed a memorandum in Washington last month, pledging to establish a transparent cross-border mineral tracking mechanism “from mine to processing plant,” with U.S. technical and investment support.

However, critical details—including the scope of investment, corporate stakeholders, and implementation timelines—remain undisclosed. A senior Congolese official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed skepticism over the deal’s viability, emphasizing that sovereignty over Congolese resources must be fully respected before any cooperation can proceed.

“We cannot consider joint ventures while foreign-backed rebel groups control our mining areas,” the official said. “Rwanda must recognize and respect our territorial integrity—including our mineral wealth.”

Kigali’s Calculated Interest

For Rwanda, the proposed arrangement could offer a path toward economic legitimacy in a sector that has long operated in legal gray zones. The country has positioned itself as a hub for mineral refining in the region, but accusations of sourcing illicit ores have dogged its international reputation.

Legalizing mineral imports from the DRC could unlock substantial new revenue streams for Kigali, while aligning its interests more closely with Western powers seeking to counter Chinese dominance in the global supply of critical minerals. China currently controls a significant share of mineral processing infrastructure in Congo.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that Washington is actively working with both governments and private American investors to structure a deal. Last week, U.S. officials reportedly held meetings with over 30 potential investors interested in establishing mineral processing operations in Rwanda.

An Uncertain But Strategic Gamble

Observers view the negotiations as both a strategic gamble and an urgent necessity. The mineral trade has long fueled violence and economic inequality in eastern Congo, with profits often enriching armed groups while local communities remain impoverished.

Analysts say that if the agreement succeeds, it could serve as a model for conflict-sensitive trade in other regions plagued by resource-fueled violence.

“This isn’t just about minerals,” said one diplomat. “It’s about creating a framework where economic cooperation replaces military conflict. It’s an opportunity—but also a high-risk balancing act.”

As talks continue behind closed doors, the world watches closely. For the people of eastern Congo, who have long borne the brunt of mineral-fueled conflict, the stakes could not be higher.