What’s in the Draft Deal
On 14 September 2025, a 17-page draft economic framework between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was made public, outlining key reforms in their mining and critical minerals sectors. Developed following the peace deal signed in Washington this past June, the framework involves cooperation with international partners such as the U.S., donor agencies, and multilateral banks. It aims to reduce illicit minerals trade, improve transparency, and attract Western investment in minerals like tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium. Key provisions include third-party inspections of mine sites, adoption of OECD-style transparency standards, cross-border special
economic zones, and annual high-level summits on regional economic integration.
Ties to Peace & Economic Goals
This draft deal builds on an earlier outline agreed in August; it’s part of the peace agreement’s economic track, designed to ensure that mineral wealth contributes to peace and stability rather than fueling conflict. The Washington peace deal had among its goals the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC, ending operations of non-state armed groups, and ensuring that mining revenues are not captured by rebels. The proposed reforms are meant to de-risk investment—by providing clearer governance, stronger oversight, and more secure supply chains—which are expected to unlock funds and infrastructure development in a region long impaired by conflict and corruption.
Challenges & What’s at Stake
While the draft presents significant opportunity, it also faces substantial implementation hurdles. Observers note that Rwandan troop withdrawal has not fully occurred, and operations against armed groups like the FDLR remain stalled, casting doubt on whether security conditions will improve. The involvement of M23 rebels and ongoing tensions in eastern DRC continue to threaten stability in key mining zones. Moreover, ensuring that reforms translate into social and environmental protection and that local community’s benefit—may be difficult given weak infrastructure, governance challenges, and potential resistance from vested interests. If successful, the agreement could transform the mineral sector in this conflict-sensitive region, but failure risks reinforcing extraction without equitable development.