US President Donald Trump has invoked wartime powers to boost production of critical minerals.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels battle pro-government fighters in North Kivu and South Kivu province after truce talks.
Violence in DR Congo has sent thousands of people fleeing into neighbouring countries.
![Congolese refugees fleeing ongoing clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo [File: Tony Karumba/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AFP__20250128__36WF8ZJ__v1__Preview__RwandaDrcongoUnrest-1738128403.jpg?resize=570%2C380&quality=80)
Ongoing violence and instability, including fighting by M23 rebels, has forced millions of people to flee their homes.
The Congolese group said decision was in line with a ceasefire declared in February and in support of peace initiatives.
Congolese and Rwandan leaders called for a ceasefire after holding direct talks in Qatar.
M23 seizes mining hub, with rebel alliance leader saying call for a ceasefire from DRC and Rwanda ‘doesn’t concern us’.
Rwanda denies link to M23 rebels as trade in smuggled DRC minerals is said to hit $1bn a year.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, met in Doha on Tuesday.
The three countries call for ‘immediate and unconditional ceasefire’ in eastern DRC.
Talks, which the DRC government previously rejected, sought to resolve the conflict in the east of the country.
Belgium responds by saying Rwandan diplomats no longer welcome as ties fray over respective roles in the DRC conflict.
The DRC appears to be angling for the US to deploy boots on the ground, in a bid to contain armed conflict.
The SADC mission that has suffered losses this year will conduct a ‘phased withdrawal’ of its troops.
