The Democratic Republic of Congo is accelerating talks with the United States on a strategic agreement for critical minerals, aiming to solidify both economic cooperation and regional stability ahead of a potential peace deal with Rwanda.

The Congolese government has linked the mining accord to broader U.S. mediation between Kinshasa and Kigali. President Félix Tshisekedi views the agreement as a pathway to deepen U.S. involvement in resolving the eastern Congo conflict.

A strategic coordination unit within the presidency, led by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume, and Gécamines chairman Guy-Robert Lukama, has been established to manage negotiations.

Legal and Technical Team in Place

The legal aspects are being handled by Pascal Agboyibor of law firm ASAFO & CO, a veteran of infrastructure and mining deals in Africa. A 22-member technical team, including representatives from the national mining registry and Cominière SA, is drafting reports and overseeing implementation.

Washington and Kinshasa hope to finalize the critical minerals and peace frameworks concurrently in June.