Rebel leader denounces US-DRC minerals deal one year after Goma's fall

A vehicle transports wooden logs at the Birere market, one year after M23 rebels took control of Goma, in Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi

Jan 28 (Reuters) - The leader of a Congolese rebel coalition ‌that includes the M23 group said a deal between Kinshasa and Washington related to critical minerals in the war-hit region was deeply flawed ‌and unconstitutional, casting doubt on its implementation.

Corneille Nangaa, who leads the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), was referring to a strategic partnership agreement signed ‌in Washington on December 4, under which the U.S. would obtain greater access to the Democratic Republic of Congo's critical minerals in exchange for investment and security cooperation.