The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are working on a draft agreement that would involve the United States and other international partners in restructuring the region’s minerals sector, sources close to the talks told Reuters. The deal, still under negotiation, is aimed at tightening oversight of critical mineral supply chains while reducing the flow of smuggled resources that fuel conflict.
People familiar with the draft explained that the plan envisions cooperation between the DRC, Rwanda, and global stakeholders to formalize production and export channels of minerals such as cobalt, coltan, and gold. Reports from Bloomberg highlighted that Washington and European capitals have pressed for cleaner, traceable supply chains as demand for electric vehicle and renewable energy components surges.
Officials privy to the talks stressed that the framework could help channel revenues into state coffers while curbing illicit networks that operate across porous borders. Analysts cited by Financial Times noted that the proposed arrangement could also de-escalate tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, though questions remain over implementation and enforcement.
The minerals sector is central to Congo’s economy, with the country supplying over 70% of the world’s cobalt, while Rwanda has become a major exporter of processed minerals. Experts warn that unless transparency measures are fully enforced, the pact could risk reinforcing existing power imbalances in the trade.
The draft is expected to undergo further review before being presented to regional leaders and international partners later this year.
