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President says Congo will not "auction" mineral resources to US

The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi stated on Monday that the peace agreement signed in June with Rwanda, mediated by the United States, has not helped calm down fighting in eastern Congo. He thanked President Donald Trump however for his efforts to end this conflict.

On June 27, U.S. mediators brokered a peace deal between Congo & Rwanda, aiming to end the support Washington and U.N. expert say Kigali gives M23 rebels.

The Trump administration said that it was eager to put an end to the fighting which has claimed thousands of lives this year, and to attract Western investment of billions of dollars to a region with tantalum and gold deposits, as well as cobalt and copper. This month is the deadline for implementing part of the U.S. agreement.

Tshisekedi, a reporter in New York told reporters that despite his support for U.S. mediation, "it does not mean we will auction off our mineral resources."

He said, "As part of this partnership we will be working on the development of mining sectors, the value chain and infrastructure, with an emphasis on energy."

Officials in Congo say that the success of this deal depends on Rwanda ending its support of M23. Kinshasa has accused M23 of committing atrocities against civilians in the east. M23 denies allegations that it has attacked civilians, and Rwanda has denied its involvement in M23 for years. M23's forces are said to be acting out of self-defense.

Tshisekedi stated that "Rwanda pretended to withdraw its troops, but in reality, they are increasing support for M23."

Qatar facilitated a surprise meeting between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi in March. The two leaders demanded a ceasefire. This led to direct negotiations between Congo and M23. However, the two sides failed to meet their August 18 deadline for a peace deal.

M23 wants the prisoners released before any further talks can be held. A Congolese official involved in the negotiations said that prisoners would only be released once an agreement was signed.

Tshisekedi stated that there have been positive developments on the possibility of a prisoner exchange.

He said, "In fact, we're waiting for the Red Cross approval to move forward with the exchange." (Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

(source: Reuters)