Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has dismissed suggestions that his country would “auction off” its vast mineral resources to foreign powers, even as discussions continue with the United States on strategic cooperation.
Speaking in New York, Tshisekedi acknowledged Washington’s role in mediating a peace deal between Congo and Rwanda earlier this year but noted that fighting in eastern DRC persists despite the agreement. “We appreciate the mediation efforts, but our minerals are not up for sale,” he said.
Peace Deal and Mineral Wealth
The US-brokered deal, signed in June, aimed to curb alleged Rwandan support for the M23 rebel movement and create stability that could attract Western investment into Congo’s rich cobalt, copper, tantalum, gold, and lithium reserves. However, Kinshasa maintains that Rwandan backing for M23 has continued, undermining the peace process.
“They [Rwanda] pretend to withdraw, but in reality their support to M23 has increased,” Tshisekedi told reporters. He added that Congo remains open to dialogue but stressed that prisoner releases demanded by M23 will only occur after a formal peace agreement.
Balancing Global Partnerships
Tshisekedi underlined that Congo is seeking balanced international partnerships, pointing to an existing strategic agreement with China and ongoing negotiations with the US. “We want cooperation that develops the mining value chain, boosts energy infrastructure, and benefits our people,” he said, clarifying that Congo’s priority is industrial growth, not resource giveaways.
A senior government official confirmed that progress had been made on potential prisoner exchanges under the supervision of the Red Cross, describing it as a “confidence-building step” in the fragile talks.
Regional Tensions Continue
The conflict in eastern Congo remains one of Africa’s deadliest flashpoints, with thousands killed this year alone. Kinshasa accuses M23 of committing atrocities against civilians, while Kigali denies supporting the group, insisting its forces act only in self-defense.
Tshisekedi’s remarks come as Kinshasa tries to balance peace efforts with economic ambitions, sending a message to both Washington and Beijing that Congo’s minerals will be used to strengthen sovereignty rather than serve foreign agendas.