“`html
The Democratic Republic of Congo is in negotiations with a consortium led by Gentry Beach, an associate of former President Trump, regarding rights to the Rubaya coltan mine. The discussions come as part of efforts to fund US-backed peace initiatives in eastern DRC.
Beach, who heads the investment firm America First Global, and Swiss trader Mercuria are seeking to invest over $500 million into the Rubaya project. The output is set to be legally processed through Rwanda, aided by a proposed smelter in Kigali. Meanwhile, a peace accord between Kigali and Kinshasa is anticipated to be signed in Washington, addressing ceasefire, troop withdrawal, and militia disarmament, with the US and Qatar acting as brokers.
In 2023, the DRC produced 40% of the world’s coltan, essential for electronics and defense systems, with the region still grappling with significant humanitarian crises, including the displacement of over seven million people due to ongoing conflicts.
“`
