**Article:**
On January 28, the head of a Congolese rebel coalition, which includes the Rwanda-backed M23 group, publicly opposed a recent agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States concerning critical minerals. This statement comes one year after the rebels seized the city of Goma, a strategic location in eastern DRC. The deal aims to regulate the extraction and trade of minerals vital for technology and energy industries.
The rebel leader argued that the agreement does not address the underlying issues affecting local communities and the ongoing conflict in the region. Meanwhile, the DRC government and the US have emphasized the partnership as a step toward promoting responsible mining practices and economic development.
**Why this matters:**
The DRC is a major source of minerals essential for global supply chains, particularly for batteries and electronics. Stability in the region is crucial for ensuring the ethical sourcing of these resources. The ongoing conflict and opposition from armed groups highlight the challenges in achieving peace and sustainable development in mineral-rich areas.
Source: NewsData