By Micah Jonah
January 29, 2026
The leader of a Congolese rebel coalition which includes the M23 group has strongly criticized a minerals partnership deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States, describing the agreement as unconstitutional, lacking transparency.
Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), made the remarks during an interview in Goma, one year after M23 fighters captured the strategic eastern city in a major military offensive.
The deal, signed in Washington on December 4, is aimed at giving the United States greater access to Congo’s critical minerals in exchange for investment and security cooperation. However, Nangaa argued that the agreement violated legal procedures and failed to meet constitutional requirements.
He also claimed that most of the mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo are currently under rebel control, warning that any investment agreements could face serious disputes since some mining concessions may already have been allocated to other partners.
“The Americans signed an agreement with an illegitimate and corrupt regime,” Nangaa said, adding that the process lacked openness and legal credibility.
Responding to the claims, the Congolese presidency dismissed the allegations as speculative, insisting that the agreement falls within the constitutional powers of the elected government. Officials said the deal would respect existing contracts and comply with mining laws.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Daniel Mukoko Samba, said the agreement would be presented to parliament in March, expressing confidence that lawmakers would approve it.
On regional relations, Nangaa admitted that AFC works with Rwanda and Uganda on security matters but denied receiving military support from Kigali. Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing M23, despite previous United Nations reports alleging its involvement.
Nangaa also claimed that security had improved in rebel-held areas, with schools and hospitals operating and displaced residents returning home. However, the United Nations has accused all parties in the conflict of committing serious human rights violations.
He further accused the Congolese government of failing to implement ceasefire commitments discussed during peace talks mediated by Qatar with backing from the United States, a claim the government has rejected.
The capture of Goma, home to over two million people, marked one of the most serious escalations in eastern Congo’s long-running conflict, raising fresh concerns over regional stability and foreign investment in the mineral-rich region.
