Officials in Congo are hopeful that ongoing negotiations with the United States will yield a landmark investment agreement in critical minerals, alongside a peace deal with Rwanda to end a deadly rebellion in eastern Congo, by the end of June.
Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo are expressing confidence that a dual agreement with the United States - encompassing both strategic investment in critical minerals and U.S.-brokered support for a peace deal with Rwanda - could be finalized by the end of June, according to a Financial Times report published on Sunday.
Key Congolese minerals such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten - resources Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of smuggling - may be exported legally to Rwanda for processing as part of the peace framework currently under U.S. negotiation, Reuters reported last week.
Sources close to the negotiations told FT that a minerals investment deal with Washington, along with a separate peace accord with Kigali, could be signed by late June. However, significant obstacles still remain, the report noted.
DRC’s Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, emphasized that a partnership with the United States would help reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on China in developing its mineral sector. “An agreement with the U.S. would help diversify our partnerships,” he said.
The Congolese government blames the ongoing conflict in its eastern provinces on the illegal exploitation and smuggling of its minerals, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group and profiting from tens of millions of dollars in illicit exports each month.
Massad Boulos, senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump and a key figure in the negotiations, stated earlier this month that Washington is pushing for a peace accord between Kinshasa and Kigali this summer, potentially unlocking billions of dollars in Western investment for the region’s mineral-rich economy.
Responding to the developments, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo reiterated Rwanda's security stance, stating that its defensive operations along the DRC border would remain necessary “as long as threats and insecurity persist.”
The U.S. State Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the ongoing talks.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea as early as next week, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported late on Wednesday (21 May) quoting a senior government official.
The pneultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as host events on the future of Baku and architectural education.
Israeli police have come under criticism after footage showed activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla kneeling on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs following their detention by Israeli forces.
A government-mediated agreement has suspended an 18-day walkout by about 48,000 Samsung union members, easing fears of damage to South Korea's economy and global chip supply.
Asian stocks surged on Thursday as some vessels resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while forecast-beating results at Nvidia and a suspended workers' strike at Samsung Electronics lifted shares of chipmakers.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
Day four of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku brings a packed agenda on sustainable cities and the global housing crisis, with sessions on green housing, smart cities, public spaces and urban rights taking place on Wednesday (20 May) at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea as early as next week, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported late on Wednesday (21 May) quoting a senior government official.
A Paris appeals court will issue a verdict on Thursday on the 2009 crash of an Air France passenger jet after the airline and planemaker Airbus faced trial over corporate manslaughter.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 21st May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United States has removed Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on the Palestinian territories, from its sanctions list, according to the U.S. Treasury Department website.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close political alignment even though key economic deals were not finalised.
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