The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world, with an estimated wealth of $24 trillion in natural minerals. Many of these minerals are vital for expanding the IT and AI industries, on which the U.S. relies. So far, China has led the way in tapping into the DRC’s reserves; today, Trump is hoping to change that.

Trump’s clear incentives for brokering peace may trigger alarm bells for many, however, the DRC’s government asserts that “sovereignty over resources remains entirely Congolese”. DRC Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama told the press this deal “is not 'peace in exchange for minerals', as has been claimed - it is about securing minerals to deprive the war of financing”.

Control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth has long been a central driver of the region’s instability. Rebel militia groups like M23 often seize mines and key transport routes to extract revenue. Minerals like cobalt, copper and gold are easily smuggled out of the country and provide a reliable source of income that can be used to pay fighters, buy guns and maintain territorial control.

U.S. investment in Congo’s mining industry could ensure that everyday Congolese people benefit from the wealth extracted from their country’s mines and help starve militia groups of funding.

However, even as Rwanda’s President Kagame and the DRC’s President Tshisekedi arrive in Washington, the fighting rages on in eastern DR Congo. The fighting sides on the ground are less swayed by the U.S. president’s appetite for economic deals and so preliminary accords agreed over the summer, in Washington and Doha, have often been ignored.

This week, both Rwanda and the DRC have accused the other of sabotaging peace talks with ceasefire violations, and few expect today's deal to have an immediate impact on the ground.

Ultimately, whether this deal delivers peace will be decided not in Washington, but in the hills where militias still trade bullets for minerals.

“With its 54 states and over 1.2 billion inhabitants, Africa cannot remain on the sidelines of decisions that affect international peace and security," he added.

The UNSC is composed of 15 members—5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members.

The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States , and the ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

Currently, only 3 African countries – Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia – are on the council. 

Algeria and Sierra Leone will end their terms on the Council at the end of 2025, and Somalia at the end of 2026.

The report attributes the losses to extensive tax exemptions granted to Chinese companies, which have continued to undermine the DRC’s financial gains from the deal. It also criticises the agreement's exclusion from the Congolese Mining Code, allowing unchecked fiscal privileges.

According to CNPV, in 2023 alone, the DRC lost an estimated $443 million in tax and parafiscal exemptions—amounting to 16% of the country's total tax expenditures.

Potential $7.5 billion loss over 17 years

Speaking at the report’s presentation, CNPV member Baby Matabishi warned that if the exemptions remain in place, the DRC could forfeit up to $7.5 billion over the next 17 years. These losses stem from  Law No. 14/005, which grants sweeping tax, customs, and parafiscal exemptions to collaboration agreements and cooperative projects, including the Sino-Congolese contract.

"This contract has remained structurally imbalanced since its inception," Matabishi stated. Adding that, "For years, we have warned about the problematic nature of these sweeping exemptions and the contract’s management outside of traditional government institutions."

Although the agreement was signed in 2008 without a solid legal foundation, the Congolese government justified the exemptions as necessary for repaying loans used to fund infrastructure projects and develop mining operations. Even after the introduction of a new Mining Code in 2018, the contract continues to operate outside its framework, maintaining its independent tax structure.

In an interview with Global South World, Chantal Chambu Mwavita, the Minister of Human Rights for the DRC, indicated that women now occupy 31% of cabinet positions.

“We are in the process of providing all possible means for women to get their place, Mwavita said. Today, our government is led by a woman and we, the ministers, represent about 31% of the members of the government.”

In 2022, Tshisekedi was appointed the first-ever African Union Champion of Positive Masculinity, a recognition of his ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and combat gender-based violence.

While highlighting an African Union men’s conference to tackle a surge in violence against women, he spoke about the need for “radical change” and reaffirmed that gender equality should not be considered a "gift" given to women, but a right.

“Because equality is not a gift given to women,” Tshisekedi said .

In April 2024, Judith Suminwa was appointed the country’s new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Sama Lukonde. This was the first time a woman had held the position in the DRC.

Fred Bauma, a prominent human rights activist in the DRC, in a podcast also commended the government for appointing women with proven expertise to key positions.

“And I think most of them appear to be people who are known to be technocrats or competent people in their field," Bauma said.

"You have a Minister of Education, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a few others who are, I think, good signs of both the inclusion of women in the government and putting competent people in the right place,” he added.

A recent study found that the “positive masculinity” approach has helped break down barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including family planning, for women and girls.

Watch the full interview here :

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group have been launching attacks on camps close to Goma in eastern DRC throughout 2024. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and allied militias have heightened the risk for displaced people in camps by stationing artillery nearby, according to the organisation, both factions have been involved in killing and raping camp residents, disrupting aid delivery, and committing various abuses.

“There are around 7 million internally displaced persons who lack access to water, electricity, and shelter. This is deplorable,” Mwavita stated, emphasising the scale of the crisis.

She also stressed the need for international support to ensure peace and punish companies involved in the illegal trade of “blood minerals.” She questioned why economic considerations often take precedence over human rights, asking, “Why is human consideration put aside in favour of economic consideration?”  

In April, the DRC  accused tech giant Apple of using unethically sourced minerals from the country in the manufacturing of the company's products. They expressed concerns that Apple's supply chain may be tainted by "blood minerals" obtained through unethical mining practices in the DRC.

President Felix Tshisekedi, appointed London-based law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP to represent the DRC in litigation concerning individuals and companies involved in the extraction, supply, and commercialisation of natural resources and minerals pillaged from the country.

The DRC possesses abundant reserves of tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold, commonly known as 3T or 3TG, all of which are essential for manufacturing smartphones and various electronic devices. The legal team representing the DRC submitted an official notice to Apple, which included inquiries regarding the "3T minerals utilised in Apple products."

Children are among the most affected by the DRC conflict, with many recruited into armed groups and then reportedly forced into child labour in the artisanal mining sector. To combat this, the Minister noted that the government has implemented a policy of free education, aimed at providing vulnerable children with opportunities and reducing their risk of exploitation. “Child soldiers are often street children who cannot afford to go to school,” Mwavita explained.  

In June, the testimony of a former child soldier revealed that as a result of the conflict, children in the DRC are sometimes abducted and forced to join armed groups. In the case of this 16-year-old whose identity was kept hidden, he was forced into an armed group while on his way to school.

Efforts to improve basic infrastructure and human rights were also highlighted. While the nation holds 13% of the world's potential in hydropower, mostly from the Congo River. About 80% of DRC’s population lacks access to electricity.

According to the Human Rights Minister, the government is constructing roads and hydroelectric dams to address this problem. “The right to electricity is also a fundamental right,” Mwavita stated, linking infrastructure development to human rights and national progress.  

Amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, the DRC has made strides in female representation in government. Following the resignation of Sama Lukonde as Prime Minister earlier this year, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Judith Suminwa as his successor—the first female to occupy the position.

Mwavita pointed out that women now hold 31% of positions in the government, praising the leadership of President Tshisekedi, who has been recognised as a “champion of positive masculinity.” 

The Minister also called for transitional justice to address the violence suffered by Congolese communities and compensate victims of war. She advocated for the establishment of a criminal court for the DRC to combat impunity and deliver justice. “The promotion of human rights is one of the foundations of peace and humanity,” Mwavita said, affirming the DRC government’s commitment to these principles.  

Mwavita concluded with a plea to the international community, urging countries and organisations to take more than symbolic actions. “We are asking the international community to do even more, not to limit itself to denunciation but to sanction and take a stand,” she stated. For the Congolese people, she emphasised, the priority remains clear: “Peace in Congo is all we can ask for.”

Watch the full interview here:

Among the convicted are three Americans, as well as a Belgian, a Briton, and a Canadian, all of whom hold dual Congolese nationality. These individuals, along with the others sentenced, were found guilty of charges that included criminal association, attack, and terrorism, according to the military court. 

The appeal hearing began at 11:45 a.m. local time (1045 GMT) on Thursday, October 10, with those convicted dressed in yellow and blue prison uniforms. Each of the accused was called to the front of the court to identify themselves, as lawyers and family members looked on. Richard Bondo, the lawyer for Benjamin Zalman-Polun, one of the Americans sentenced to death, described the proceedings as focused on verifying the identities of those present and confirming the referral of acquitted individuals.

"Today’s hearing consisted of first identifying the 37 convicts and verifying the Court's referral of acquittals who did not appear but were regularly cited," Bondo explained to AFP. He also highlighted the potential for a presidential pardon, saying, "This appeal is of legal interest, to enable the President of the Republic, in the event of a conviction or confirmation of a sentence, to issue a pardon order."

Other lawyers raised concerns about the fairness of the initial trial, particularly regarding the lack of consideration for mitigating circumstances. Tony Muzola, representing Marcel Malanga, another defendant, expressed frustration that such factors had been overlooked. "There are defendants who have been sentenced to death for the first time, and the judge didn’t even take into account what is known in law as extenuating circumstances," Muzola said. 

The alleged coup attempt occurred on May 19, when several dozen armed men attacked the home of then-Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe, now President of the National Assembly. The attackers later moved toward President Felix Tshisekedi's offices, waving flags of Zaire, the name of the country under former dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was ousted in 1997.

Southern African Development Community (SADC) has condemned the attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo and commended the DRC army for foiling the insurgency. They called for adherence to the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and encouraged international support for the DRC people. According to the Chronicle , the leader of the attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday has been killed, and around 50 people, have been arrested, according to a spokesperson for the country's army. Gunfire erupted around 4 a.m. in the capital, Kinshasa. Armed men attacked the presidential residence in the city centre, stated spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge.

Coup leader a former captain

A former Congolese military captain led armed mutineers in a failed attempt to take over the president's residence and offices. Congolese forces are on high alert following the coup attempt. A former Congolese military captain, Malanga founded the opposition United Congolese Party (UCP) and spent a significant portion of his life in the US. Okay Africa reports that his family obtained political asylum when he was a child, and after many years in the DRC, he returned to the U.S. Before this, he ran for a parliamentary seat and was imprisoned by the administration of former President Joseph Kabila.

Biden-DR Congo flag controversy explained

A professor at Morehouse College unfurled a Democratic Republic of Congo flag behind President Joe Biden during his commencement address. The flag was a show of solidarity as security forces thwarted a coup attempt in the DRC. The United Nations reported a record high of 6.9 million internally displaced people in the DRC in October 2023 due to escalated violence. USA Today also added that Biden's address at the historically Black men's college was also partially overshadowed by pro-Palestinian protesters holding a rally organised under the banner of "Say No to Genocide Joe Speaking at Morehouse" about a mile away.

Americans identified as part of coup plotters

Two US citizens have been arrested for leading a failed coup to overthrow the government of Congo. The coup, led by opposition leader Christian Malanga, resulted in at least three deaths and dozens of arrests. The Independent adds that the US has vowed to cooperate in the investigation and the country's ambassador to Congo has expressed concern about the involvement of US citizens. The attackers targeted the country’s presidential palace and the residence of politician Vital Kamerhe.

Drones to fight rebel attacks

The Democratic Republic of Congo has received three new CH-4 Rainbow drones from China to use in the fight against rebels in the east of the country. This is part of a larger effort to enhance the capabilities of the Congolese military. Other African countries will also import Chinese military drones for defence. According to Military Africa , the affordability of Chinese drones, coupled with the less stringent conditions for their purchase, makes them an appealing choice for countries looking to enhance their defence capabilities.

What they said

US Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn in a post on social media platform X said “I am shocked by the events of this morning and very concerned by reports of American citizens allegedly involved. Please be assured that we will cooperate with the DRC authorities to the fullest extent as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable any U.S. citizen involved in criminal acts.” DR Congo army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge also told Reuters "Malanga was definitively neutralised during the attack on the Palais de la Nation, a certain Aboubacar was neutralised during the attack on the residence of Vital Kamarhe [and] the others - around 50 including three American citizens - were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation by the specialised services of the Armed Forces."

DRC President Tshisekedi has rated Russia and China over Western countries in transparency and ease of business. He feels they treat the DRC with more respect and clear intentions. A recent survey showed China and Russia have a better approval rating in Africa than the United States, Nairametrics reports. Western critics have accused China of trying to colonise Africa, but China denies this. Congo is a major producer of cobalt and copper, and Chinese companies dominate its mining sector. Chinese companies have invested up to $7 billion in Congo's mining infrastructure.

Kenya Airways flight suspension raises f ears of airfare hike

Kenya Airways' decision to suspend services to Kinshasa has led to a shortage of airline seats in the Democratic Republic of Congo, potentially increasing airfare. As reported by The Monitor , the exit of KQ, one of only two airlines serving the Congolese capital, has diminished eastbound airline seat capacity by a third. Ethiopian Airlines is now the main provider of seats while Uganda Airlines lacks the flexibility to meet the demand. The reduction in connections to East Africa is further exacerbated by the DRC's barring of RwandAir from its airspace. The KQ exit follows the detention of its staff by the DRC military over an $8 million currency shipment, raising questions about Kenyan involvement in local politics. The situation also highlights the DRC's slow integration into the East African Community and its ongoing tensions with EAC neighbours.

$7 billion investments

Congo has signed a $7 billion deal with China for infrastructure investments. According to Mining Weekly , the agreement depends on the price of copper remaining high. The deal includes the construction of roads and is financed by Sicomines' profits. If copper prices fall, the financing for infrastructure projects will cease. Congo has also committed to publishing all mining contracts as part of a three-year programme with the International Monetary Fund.

Judiciary inquiry against Cardinal

Prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of Congo have initiated a judicial inquiry against one of the country's most prominent religious figures, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo. The Cardinal, who is the Archbishop of Kinshasa and considered a key advisor to Pope Francis, has been accused of making "seditious comments" during his Easter Mass, reports Africanews . Cardinal Ambongo's remarks, which highlighted the ongoing insecurity in the eastern regions of the DRC where the army is engaged in conflict with the M23 rebels, have been interpreted by prosecutors as incitement. They argue that his statements could demoralise soldiers and embolden the rebels. This region has been a hotspot for violence, leading to the displacement of nearly two million people since the end of 2021.

Fight against M23 rebels

SAMIDRC, the South Africa-led SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is planning an armed operation to reopen humanitarian corridors that were blocked by M23 rebels. According to News24 , on Friday, May 3, rebel forces shelled two civilian camps near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, causing injuries to at least 30 civilians and claiming the lives of 16 people. This violence led to significant displacement of the population, disrupted supply routes to Goma, and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, SAMIDRC reported. The attacks also obstructed crucial routes into Goma in the eastern region of DRC.

According to the official announcement, Suminwa served as President Tshisekedi's Minister of Planning since 2023. “This act reinforces the positive masculinity advocated by President Félix Tshisekedi,” they wrote.

Before her government roles, Suminwa served as an economist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she held the role of coordinator for the Consolidation of Peace and Strengthening of Democracy pillar in Kinshasa, the national capital of DR Congo.

“I know that the task is great and the challenges immense. But with the support of the President of the Republic and that of everyone, we will get there,” the new DR Congo Prime Minister told reporters following her appointment.

She will head a new cabinet after the dissolution of the previous cabinet following the resignation of Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde as prime minister on February 20.

Suminwa's achievement is part of a larger trend across Africa, where women are assuming pivotal roles in policymaking and social reform.

Sahle-Work Zewde

In Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde made history as the first female president, embodying the spirit of progress and inclusivity. On October 25, 2018, she achieved a unanimous election as president by members of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly. Before her ascension to the presidency, Zewde was the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) from 2011 to 2018. She was subsequently appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as his Special Representative to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union.

Samia Suluhu Hassan

Samia Suluhu Hassan is the first Tanzanian woman and the second woman from the East African region to serve as president. She has served as president of Tanzania since March 19, 2021, after the sudden demise of her predecessor, John Magufuli. She was also the vice president of the country from 2015 to 2021.

Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula

Although she is the fifth female speaker of South Africa's parliament, Rt. Hon. Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula has made her mark in the country's legislative arm of government. She took office on August 19, 2021, and has since been an influential figure in South African politics. Her tenure as Speaker is marked by her commitment to uphold the democratic processes and her call for unity and integrity in the administration of parliamentary duties.

What they said

The former prime minister Lukonde after submitting his resignation to President Tshisekedi on February 20 said "My choice fell on that of the mandate of national deputy to represent the constituency of Kasenga (a town in the Haut-Katanga province in DRC near the border with Zambia). The request to come and present myself before the President of the Republic was to inform him of my choice and consequently my resignation." “It was a friendly meeting where the President of the Republic took note of this decision. It was an opportunity for us to thank him,” he added.

What they said

Moïse Katumbi told the media "We are having a protest on January 20 because we will not accept the results; there was fraud everywhere, and the elections must be annulled." Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu is quoted by Reuters saying "Our position remains the same: we did not witness credible elections... We reject the results announced without basis by the Constitutional Court." The President of the Constitutional Court, Dieudonne Kamuleta, also said in a ruling on January 16 that "even when taking reported irregularities and their influence on the ballot into account, the order of arrival is not disrupted."

In an interview on a Congolese radio show, President Tshisekedi remarked that relations between the DRC and Rwanda were at a crossroads.

According to Tshisekedi, Rwanda is behind the creation of the Congo River Alliance to support the work of the M23 rebels.

“In the event of the slightest skirmish from the jokers you saw in Nairobi, I will bring the two houses together in Congress. I will request authorisation to declare war on Rwanda,” Tshisekedi is quoted by Congolese media Actualite .

“As long as the Kagame regime is there, for us Rwanda does not exist. I would like to point out that we do not have a problem with the Rwandan people,” he added.

Tshisekedi is seeking reelection as President of the DRC in an election scheduled to take place on December 20.

What they said?

Moïse Katumbi in a meeting with voters said, "I want you to give them a red card. Because they scored zero here, then say goodbye to them. Give me one hundred per cent of the votes here in Idiofa. I am not a man of lies, I will be a president of actions. What I said, I will do. I am the liberator of our country. I came to liberate the Congo, free the children of Idiofa. I am not going to touch my salary, it will contribute to the development of Idiofa." President Tshisekedi while also meeting with voters ahead of the December 20 polls also said “I am counting on you to keep this country united and united because that is how we are going to rebuild it and not through hate speech…They will come to you to solicit votes, they will sell our nation to Paul Kagame in Rwanda. You have to ask them who is the aggressor of our country in the east and they cannot mention Kagame's name. Kagame has candidates among us and he seeks to conquer the country in another way because he has failed in the expansion of his power to the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Augustin Matata Ponyo, announced the withdrawal of his presidential candidacy and said he would back a joint opposition candidate following recommendations of four opposition candidates that met in South Africa this week. According to Reuters , Matata Ponyo said he would throw his support behind Moise Katumbi, former governor of the copper-rich Katanga region, who is expected to officially launch his presidential campaign on Monday for the upcoming December 20 election.

EU Electoral Observers

A European Union Electoral Observation Mission delegation engaged in discussions with Denis Kadima, the president of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kinshasa on November 20. The delegation informed Kadima about the deployment of electoral observers throughout all provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Malin also mentioned the forthcoming arrival of a delegation of seven European deputies in Kinshasa, along with electoral and political experts, media personnel, and support from the diplomatic corps and European embassies, local media Radio Okapi reported.

Katumbi campaign message

Presidential candidate Moïse Katumbi, represented by his team led by Christian Mwando, revealed his five-year program for 2024-2028 on November 13, in Kinshasa. "Alternative 2024 for a united, democratic, prosperous, and united Congo," the social project outlines the goal of systematically reconstructing a robust, trustworthy, and stable Congolese state.   It includes 36 specific objectives and 291 actions, the most urgent of which are in the security sector , local media La Prospérité reported

CENI-Mobile

The president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has announced the upcoming launch of the "CENI-Mobile" application through a recently released public message. Reports from local media   La Prospérité say that the application's purpose is to enable voters to verify the inclusion of their names in the electoral register, identify their polling station from the convenience of their homes, and ensure everyone's legitimate right to vote is respected.

Campaign launch

Presidential candidates have commenced their electoral campaigns ahead of the December 20 elections. On November 19, candidates launched their from various cities, outlining their social projects through trips and meetings. These candidates include Felix Tshisekedi, the incumbent President and candidate for re-election, Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Delly Sesanga, Seth Kikuni, and Jean-Claude Baende, local media Radio Okapi reported.