The 17-page draft outlines measures for regulatory reforms, third-party oversight of mining operations, the creation of cross-border special economic zones, and safeguards to ensure that each country retains full sovereign control over its natural resources.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the draft builds on principles agreed in August, covering cooperation in energy development, infrastructure, mineral exploitation, national parks, tourism, and public health. It also outlines implementation measures, coordination mechanisms, and annual high-level summits to monitor progress, alongside technical working groups and steering committees.
Under the draft, Rwanda and the DRC would work with the United States and other international partners to develop regulations and reforms aimed at reducing risks for private investors, curbing illicit trade, and increasing transparency. The agreement calls for third-party inspections of mining sites and collaboration with the private sector to create cross-border special economic zones.
In a framework agreed upon last month, both countries reaffirmed their 'full, sovereign control' over the exploitation, processing, and export of natural resources while committing to ensure that mineral revenues do not fund armed groups. The draft also seeks to establish a world-class industrial mining sector and improve interoperability of mineral supply chains across borders.
Although the draft is a cornerstone of the June peace deal brokered in Washington under U.S. President Donald Trump, its implementation faces major security hurdles. The peace accord stipulated the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, followed by the lifting of Rwanda's defensive measures.
The plan to dismantle the FDLR and remove Rwandan security measures was initially given a 90-day timeframe. However, there is currently no certainty that it will begin soon, as the DRC government continues to delay.
Rwanda's Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, recently told the Security Council that the DRC government did not agree to launch the operational plan to dismantle the FDLR during a joint security-level meeting held in Ethiopia early August.
Frequent setbacks in the Doha process, which mediates between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels, further complicate the situation.
Meanwhile, the draft is currently under review by Rwanda, the DRC, and other stakeholders. Representatives of both countries are expected to meet in early October 2025 to finalise the agreement. Unless changes occur, the economic cooperation pact will be signed by the end of that month, marking the final component of the Washington-brokered peace deal.
U.S. officials have indicated that the agreement is critical for linking peace and economic development in the region and for attracting billions of dollars in Western investment in cobalt, tantalum, copper, lithium, and gold.
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