CONGO-RWANDA FAILED PEACE DEAL

A war for $24T of Minerals

Published: January 1, 2026

This is a Pro report, analysing the impact and geopolitical significance of a major event.

Subscribe to receive these weekly, and access an archive of our evergreen journalism.

In June 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace deal brokered by US President Trump.


The deal did not achieve peace, mainly because it did not include M23, the largest of over 120 militant groups involved in the conflict.

 

Continue reading for:

  • Key background: Rwandan genocide

  • M23, explained

  • Congo’s mineral riches

  • International actors

  • Infographic: US vs China’s railroad projects for moving minerals 

Choose your subscription

Save 30% on your first month (or year)

with the code WELCOME