The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of Africa’s largest and most resource-rich states, spanning Central Africa from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes. Enormous deposits of cobalt, copper, coltan, gold, and diamonds make the DRC central to global energy transition supply chains.
After three decades of cyclical violence, the recent DRC-Rwanda accord signaled not only hope for regional stability, but a new U.S. diplomatic approach driven by commercial ambition.
The eastern Congo continues to grapple with the violence of war, despite multiple mediation and ceasefire efforts. While the international community focuses on mineral wealth, Congolese civilians focus on survival.
The recent peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, known as the Washington Agreement, could unlock major economic opportunities in eastern Congo, particularly in the mining and infrastructure sectors. But serious challenges remain.