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The DR Congo's mineral-driven economic expansion is overshadowed by escalating regional security tensions with Rwanda and persistent societal fallout from mining operations. The US sanctions Rwanda's military over M23 support, while Italy's Meloni extends the Mattei Plan and historical justice for Lumumba's assassination moves forward.
March 2026
Week of Mar 30, compared to 12-week average
The economy is advancing major mining projects and foreign investment deals. Zijin's lithium mine is set to become one of the world's largest, the Congo-Zambia copper corridor is reopening, and the government is approving the sale of Chemaf to US-backed Virtus.
Politics is dominated by international engagement and historical justice proceedings. Italy's Prime Minister Meloni announced an extension of the Mattei Plan to include the DRC, while Belgium is moving to try a former diplomat over the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba.
Security in eastern Congo is deteriorating with lethal attacks and escalating international pressure on Rwanda. A French UNICEF aid worker was killed in a drone strike, and the US imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Rwanda's military and officials for supporting the M23 rebel group.
Society is contending with the severe environmental and health impacts of cobalt mining. NGOs and investigators have denounced toxic waste and gas leaks from cobalt operations, which are accused of sickening local communities.