President Tshisekedi Discusses Ongoing Conflict with Rwanda

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo expressed on Monday that the US-mediated peace agreement with Rwanda, signed in June, hasn’t fully resolved the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. He acknowledged President Donald Trump’s efforts to help bring peace.

On June 27, a peace deal was facilitated by US mediators between Congo and Rwanda, aiming to halt the assistance Kigali claimed it would provide to the M23 rebel group.

The Trump administration has indicated a desire to significantly boost investments in mineral-rich areas this year, highlighting resources like tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium. A deadline associated with part of this US initiative is approaching this month.

While Tshisekedi supports the mediation process, he emphasized that it doesn’t mean the country is willing to compromise its mineral wealth. “We won’t auction our resources,” he stated.

“This partnership involves developing the mining sector, establishing value chains, and focusing on infrastructure, particularly energy,” he added.

Tshisekedi also noted that the country has formed a strategic partnership with China and is in talks for a similar agreement with the United States, although he provided little detail about this negotiation.

Congolese officials argue that the success of any contract hinges on Rwanda ceasing its support for the M23 group, which has denied allegations of civilian attacks. Rwanda has long maintained that its military actions are purely defensive.

Tshisekedi remarked, “[Rwanda] pretended to withdraw their troops, but in reality, they are increasing support for the M23.”

Earlier this year, a surprising meeting mediated by Qatar placed Tshisekedi alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame, where the leaders called for a ceasefire. This led to direct discussions between Congo and the M23, but both parties failed to meet the August 18 deadline for a peace agreement.

The M23 has expressed a desire to release prisoners before continuing consultations, but Congolese officials involved in the discussions indicated that such releases could only occur after a formal contract is signed.

Tshisekedi mentioned some hopeful signs regarding potential prisoner exchanges. “We are waiting for the Red Cross to facilitate the progress of the prisoners’ interactions,” he said.