Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, speaking in New York, praised recent US efforts to broker peace with Rwanda but warned that collaboration “does not mean that we will auction our mineral resources.” He said Kinshasa is focused on developing local value chains and energy infrastructure, while pressing Kigali to halt support for M23 as talks inch forward on a Red Cross-facilitated prisoner exchange.

What Kinshasa Said — And What It Wants

Tshisekedi affirmed Congo had sealed a “strategic partnership” with China and is “negotiating a similar partnership with the USA,” adding, “We will… be working in the development of the mining sectors, developing the value chain, developing infrastructure with a particular emphasis on energy.” He stressed this cooperation won’t amount to a fire sale of cobalt, copper or lithium.

The Peace Track Stalls Despite US Mediation

A US-brokered accord initialed in June aimed to end alleged Rwandan backing for M23 and de-escalate in North Kivu, but Tshisekedi said the fighting has not subsided. US and Qatari facilitation produced direct talks and a pledge to sign by August 18, yet implementation lagged amid disputes over detainee releases.

Allegations Driving the Diplomacy

UN investigators and Western governments have said Rwanda exercises command and control over M23 operations, a claim Kigali rejects. Those findings, alongside mass displacement in the east, underpin Washington’s push for a durable deal and creditor assessments that hinge on reduced cross-border risk.