Category: Regional conflict

Norstat Poll Reveals Strong French Support for Sanctions on Rwanda Over DRC Conflict A Norstat poll conducted on January 30–31, 2026, with a representative sample of 1,000 French citizens, reveals a major shift in public opinion regarding the conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). French attitudes have moved from passive or simplified perspectives to a structured and reasoned condemnation grounded in international law, human realities, and global economic responsibility. Rwanda Under Strong Public Scrutiny The survey shows overwhelming disapproval of Rwanda’s actions: 98% of respondents believe… Read More Here

One Year After Goma’s Fall, M23’s Resource-Funded War Economy Remains Strong. One year after the fall of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the March 23 Movement (M23) has consolidated a resilient war economy built on control of natural resources and the establishment of a parallel administration across territories under its control, particularly in North and South Kivu. Despite sustained regional and international diplomatic efforts, the group’s financial base remains intact—and in some areas has grown stronger. A Parallel Administration Funded by Widespread Taxation According to Zobel Behalal,… Read More Here

DRC’s Tshisekedi: US-Mediated Peace Deal With Rwanda Stalls as M23 Conflict Persists President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) said on Monday that a US-mediated peace deal with Rwanda, signed in June, has so far failed to stop fighting in the country’s conflict-ridden east. Speaking in New York, Tshisekedi thanked US President Donald Trump for his mediation efforts but stressed that violence persists. A Fragile US-Brokered Agreement The peace deal, brokered by Washington on June 27, sought to end Rwandan support for the M23 rebel movement, which… Read More Here

Rwanda and DRC to Finalize Mineral Supply Chain Framework to Attract Global Investment Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are preparing to finalize an economic framework that aims to reform mineral supply chains and attract international investment. The initiative, developed in partnership with third parties including the United States, follows the peace deal signed in Washington earlier this year. According to sources, the draft framework is currently under discussion with stakeholders such as private sector representatives, multilateral banks, and donor agencies. Rwanda and DRC are expected to meet… Read More Here

U.S. Warns Armed Groups in DRC: Sanctions Target Illicit Mineral Trade and Rwanda-Backed M23 The United States announced new sanctions on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, targeting armed groups involved in the illegal exploitation of critical minerals in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Washington also warned that it is prepared to act against any group obstructing U.S. and allied access to these minerals, particularly in Rubaya, an area under the control of Rwanda’s army and M23 rebels for several months. “The Treasury Department will not hesitate to take action against… Read More Here

DRC Hails Historic Peace Accord with Rwanda During Economic Forum in Japan On the sidelines of the DRC–Japan Economic Forum in Osaka, a special briefing was held by Patrick Muyaya, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Communication and Media. He was joined by Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku and the DRC Ambassador to Japan, Professor Lukumwena Nsenda. The briefing came just one day after the signing of a historic peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, witnessed in Washington, D.C., by former U.S. President Donald… Read More Here

Mineral smuggling from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into neighboring Rwanda has reached unprecedented levels, driven by the occupation of vast areas by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, according to a forthcoming United Nations report. The illicit trade in tin, tantalum, and tungsten—vital minerals used in electronics—has severely undermined legal exports from the region. Once these minerals are trafficked into Rwanda, they are mixed with domestic production, effectively laundering them into global supply chains under the guise of legitimate Rwandan origin. This process compromises international efforts to trace mineral… Read More Here