Description: Representatives from DRC’s government have apparently reinstated peace negotiations with Rwanda – backed M23 rebels in Doha. The meetings had apparently taken place on 03 May with officials from both sides reengaging in diplomatic efforts to end the war in the eastern parts of the DRC. The peace process was fueled by joint efforts from Qatar and the US with the signing of a draft agreement between the foreign ministers of DRC and Rwanda in Apr. The US is also engaged in separate negotiations with DRC and Rwanda to secure mining rights of rare earth minerals in both countries through private investment funds in return for security guarantees. Meanwhile, fighting has resumed in the North Kivu province where reports stated that more than 30 thousand people have been displaced since last Friday.
Impact: The US – Qatar led peace initiative has met some stiff opposition mostly from the rebel forces whose militant fractions tried to subvert diplomatic efforts ever since the start of the mediation. DR Congo emerged as a critical country for US foreign ambitions as key reserves and deposits of rare earth minerals are located in the war-torn eastern parts of the country. Despite the reinstatement of negotiations, the peace process is in risk of faltering at any time, since the M23 are a complex militant structure comprised of many fractions from different ideological backgrounds and varied interest charters. China is largely spread within the DRC mining industry which precipitated the US to directly insert themselves into the peace process which would enable them both access to crucial industrial materials while countering Chinese influence and economic development on a global scale.