Congo Ambassador Sees Hope in Rwanda Peace Deal Despite Ongoing Fighting
Kinshasa, 30 March 2026
DRC Ambassador Yvette Kapinga Ngandu expresses cautious optimism about implementing the December 2025 peace agreement with Rwanda, even as fighting continues in eastern Congo. The conflict has raged for three decades, with Rwanda accused of tripling mineral exports from occupied Congolese territory. US sanctions against Rwanda’s military in March highlight international pressure, whilst the ambassador emphasises that illegal resource exploitation drives the war.
December Peace Deal Faces Implementation Challenges
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement on 4 December 2025, marking a potential turning point in a conflict that has persisted for three decades [1]. However, implementation remains uncertain as fighting continues in North and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo as of 29 March 2026 [1]. Ambassador Ngandu, who replaced Marie-Hélène Mathey-Boo Lowumba as Congo’s ambassador to the United States on 30 October 2025, acknowledges the challenges ahead [1]. “Now that the agreement has been signed, my job is to make sure it’s implemented,” she stated, emphasising her commitment to ending the prolonged conflict [1].
Resource Exploitation at Heart of Conflict
The ambassador has identified illegal mineral extraction as the primary driver of the war, stating that “their exports of critical minerals since they’ve taken over our territory have literally tripled” [1]. This accusation comes against a backdrop of extensive mining operations in eastern DRC, where artisanal miners were observed working in hazardous conditions at the Rubaya mining area as recently as 31 January 2026 [1]. The conflict has exacted a devastating human toll, with close to 15 million deaths recorded in eastern DRC [1]. Ambassador Ngandu emphasised that “the real driver of this war has been the illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources,” pointing to the economic incentives that perpetuate the violence [1].
US Sanctions Target Rwanda’s Military Structure
International pressure on Rwanda intensified when the US Treasury Department sanctioned the Rwanda Defense Force and four of its top officials on 2 March 2026 for assisting M23 rebels [1]. These sanctions represent a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure, as they prohibit transactions in US dollars and exclude the sanctioned entities from the international financial system [2]. The Rwanda Defense Force operates extensive business interests through companies including Horizon Construction, Agro Processing Trust Corporation, and Rwanda Fertilizer Company [2]. The Zigama Credit and Savings Society, which manages salaries for security forces, holds assets approaching $1 billion [2], making the sanctions particularly impactful for Rwanda’s military-economic complex.
Border Security Initiatives Amid Regional Tensions
As diplomatic efforts continue, the DRC government launched a $300 million programme on 30 March 2026 to modernise customs services and strengthen border security [3]. The initiative, presented by Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba during the 84th Council of Ministers meeting in Kwilu province, aims to combat customs fraud and improve frontier surveillance [3]. The first phase is financed through a syndicated loan from EquityBCDC, First Bank DRC, Standard Bank, and Ecobank [3]. This modernisation effort includes acquiring advanced technology such as scanners, satellite communication systems, and radar devices for the customs authority [3]. The programme represents part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance and make the DRC more competitive regionally, whilst the government attempts to reimpose law and order throughout eastern territories [1].