US Congressman Advocates Regional Sharing of Eastern DRC Mineral Wealth

Washington, January 23, 2026 - Representative Ronny Jackson, a member of the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee, called for regional cooperation in managing minerals from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), arguing that neighboring countries should share in the benefits to promote stability and security. Jackson, who visited Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and other regional countries in 2025 to investigate the roots of the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC, presented his findings to US lawmakers on January 22, 2026. “I have repeatedly suggested that there should be an agreement between countries-not only Rwanda, but also Burundi, Uganda, and other neighbors-so that everyone can benefit from the thousands of billions of dollars from minerals in eastern DRC,” Jackson said. The congressman emphasized that processing the minerals in neighboring countries could foster shared responsibility for regional security. “If these minerals are mined in the DRC and processed in neighboring countries, everyone will have an interest in maintaining peace in the region,” he explained. Jackson also highlighted the importance of investing the revenue from these resources in eastern DRC to improve infrastructure, enhance living standards, and support local communities, framing economic development as a key factor in long-term stability. His comments come amid ongoing tensions in eastern DRC, where armed groups, including the AFC/M23 coalition, have repeatedly clashed with government forces, and control of mineral-rich areas remains contested.