Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has credited former U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts to mediate peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda,saying he would support Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize if the decades-long conflict ends.
“This conflict has been going on for 30 years,and four American presidents have gone through it without succeeding in bringing peace,” Tshisekedi said. “If today,President Trump puts an end to this,I will be the first to vote for him for the Nobel Prize,” Tshisekedi said. The U.S.-brokered deal,signed 27 June,seeks to end Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group,which continues to destabilize eastern Congo. Although fighting persists,Tshisekedi remains optimistic that progress will follow. At the same time,the Congolese leader emphasized his country’s sovereignty,particularly in discussions of a proposed “minerals-for-security” partnership with the U.S.,modeled on Ukraine’s aid framework.
While open to Western investment,Tshisekedi insisted on Congo retaining control over its mineral wealth. It “does not mean that we will auction our mineral resources” for peace’s sake,Tshisekedi told reporters in New York. Congo holds vast reserves of critical minerals vital for global tech and energy sectors. Talks are ongoing with both the U.S. and China on infrastructure and energy development. Peace negotiations with M23,mediated by Qatar,remain stalled following missed deadlines,but Tshisekedi confirmed some movement on a prisoner exchange with Red Cross involvement. As global powers jostle for influence,Tshisekedi’s message is clear: peace is welcome,but not at the expense of Congo’s autonomy.
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