Category: Regional conflict

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, International Francophonie Day, members of the group of Francophone ambassadors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) expressed deep concern over the escalating security crisis in the country’s east. This deterioration is primarily attributed to the offensive launched by the March 23 Movement (M23), with support from the Rwandan Defense Force. In a statement released on this occasion, the ambassadors called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to address deeper issues, such as the illegal exploitation and export of natural resources, particularly to… Read More Here

In a bold diplomatic move, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reportedly proposed granting the United States and Europe access to the country’s vast mineral resources, contingent upon their intervention to end the ongoing conflict devastating the nation. On Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Tina Salama urged the US to “directly purchase critical minerals” from the DRC rather than sourcing “looted” and “smuggled” resources through Rwanda. She extended the same request to Europe and other buyers, emphasizing that the DRC is the “rightful owner” of these valuable… Read More Here

At a briefing on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba reaffirmed the Congolese government’s commitment to strengthening mineral traceability in response to ongoing conflict in the East, exacerbated by Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group. Pakabomba highlighted that the DRC has undertaken significant measures to ensure its minerals meet international certification standards, particularly for the U.S. and European markets. “With the United States, we are engaged in the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) to certify DRC’s minerals, ensuring their traceability and preventing conflict minerals from entering supply… Read More Here

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate withdrawal of M23 rebels from Bukavu and Kavumu Airport in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following a meeting with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on Saturday, Macron emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and the restoration of civilian and military authority in the city. “The M23 must immediately withdraw from Bukavu and allow the prompt return of civilian and military authorities,” Macron stated. He also insisted on the liberation of Kavumu Airport to facilitate the resumption of civilian and humanitarian… Read More Here

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of destabilizing eastern DRC to exploit its vast reserves of 3T minerals—tungsten, tin, and tantalum—which are critical for modern technology production. Tshisekedi denounced Rwanda’s territorial claims over parts of North and South Kivu, particularly Masisi and Rutshuru, labeling them an “aberration” aimed at justifying its ongoing illegal mining operations. He highlighted the Rubaya mine in Masisi, a key source of coltan and other 3T ores, as a primary target of Rwandan-backed forces. He further stated:… Read More Here

The International Chamber of Commerce and Development (CCID) has urged the United Nations to enhance transparency in the transfer of raw materials from Rwanda. Speaking at the 37th special session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 7, 2025, CCID emphasized the need for greater oversight to prevent crimes associated with mineral exploitation in the region. The organization stressed that improving transparency would facilitate legal action against those responsible for resource looting and related human rights violations. “A concerted effort is needed to regulate the transfer of raw… Read More Here