Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: May 20, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Read CTP’s latest analysis on peace talks between the DRC, M23, and Rwanda and Uganda’s role in the DRC in the latest Africa File here. To receive the Africa File and Congo War Security Review via email, please subscribe here.

Key Takeaway: US-brokered peace negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda have facilitated US investment in Rwanda’s mining sector and will reportedly grant Rwanda downstream access to the DRC mining sector. M23 reportedly reinforced troops in several villages in northern Masisi district in North Kivu.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Nothing significant to report.

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

M23 reportedly reinforced troops in several villages in northern Masisi district in North Kivu. The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported that local leaders warned on May 15 that M23 deployed additional troops and military equipment to at least three villages on the RP1030—including Mpeti, which is about 10 miles east of Pinga, a military hub on the border with Walikale district.[i] Local leaders in Masisi and Walikale district have warned of M23 reinforcements in the area since early May and that the rebel group may target Pinga.[ii]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

US-brokered peace negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda have facilitated US investment in Rwanda’s mining sector and will reportedly grant Rwanda downstream access to the DRC mining sector. Reuters cited several sources on May 20 who confirmed previous reporting and said that “3T” minerals—tantalum, tungsten, and tin—from artisanal mining sites in the DRC could be shipped to Rwanda and legally exported, refined, and marketed from Rwanda to international buyers, including the United States.[iii] A Congolese official told Reuters, however, that the DRC would not cooperate with Rwanda on a minerals deal until Rwanda and “their proxies,” which refers to M23, withdraws from the eastern DRC.[iv] The United States has made the same demand as a stipulation for a broader peace deal.[v] Massad Boulos, President Trump’s senior advisor for Africa, said on social media on May 15 that the United States had provided a consolidated version of the draft peace agreement to both parties and that he spoke to the Congolese and Rwandan presidents separately.[vi] Boulos had told Reuters last week that “probably up to 30” US investors signaled their interest in “doing business in Rwanda in the mining space,” including in the mineral processing and refining sectors.[vii] Rwandan mining company Trinity Metals signed a letter of intent with US tin refining company Nathan Trotter to “establish a new supply chain of tin from Rwanda to the United States” on May 13.[viii] French state reported that Trinity Metals owns the largest tin mine in Rwanda and is one of Rwanda’s “most prominent mining players.”[ix]