• Congo and Rwanda draft an economic framework to revamp mineral supply chains.
• The framework includes involvement from the U.S. to spur investment in the region.
• Meetings to finalize the draft framework are scheduled for early October.
• Concerns arise over the timeline due to stalled peace processes and security issues.
• Both nations seek to ensure that minerals trade does not fund armed groups.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to draft an economic framework aimed at revamping their mineral supply chains while incorporating the participation of third parties, including the United States. This agreement comes in the wake of a peace deal linked to discussions held in Washington and is designed to attract investment in a region rich in valuable minerals like tantalum, gold, and cobalt. The framework is now under discussion among stakeholders from the private sector, multilateral banks, and donor agencies, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

The detailed 17-page framework outlines mechanisms for cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and public health, with a strong focus on modernizing mineral supply chains. Officials from both countries are expected to meet soon to finalize this framework, which aims to replace conflict-driven trade with sustainable economic partnerships. The countries initially signed a peace agreement in June, facilitated by the Trump administration, which seeks to curb ongoing violence that has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

A critical element of the draft emphasizes collaboration with the U.S. and other international partners to implement regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and minimizing illegal trade. This initiative includes adopting guidelines from organizations like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to ensure third-party inspections of mine sites and the establishment of cross-border special economic zones to bolster investment opportunities in the minerals sector. Stakeholders believe these reforms are crucial to making the region attractive to foreign investors, as noted by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

However, there are significant challenges ahead, particularly related to the security situation in Eastern Congo, where Rwandan troops are still present. A Western diplomat indicated that the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and the failure to engage the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) remain contentious issues hindering the peace process and the broader framework's implementation. The diplomat highlighted, “Without progress on security, the partners… will find it difficult to commit to economic cooperation,” as reported by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Both nations have underscored the importance of ensuring that mineral wealth does not finance armed conflict and have reiterated their commitment to maintaining full sovereign control over natural resources. This reinforces the objective of building an industrial mining sector that aligns with best practices relating to cross-border trade and regional cooperation, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.