Indonesia pursues mineral deals in Africa amid DRC political unrest

Indonesia is initiating cooperation with Gabon regarding rare earth minerals. Agung Cahaya Sumirat, Indonesia's Ambassador to several Central African nations including Gabon, stated that the partnership is currently in the process of being established. This move follows existing energy ties, as Indonesia currently imports significant crude oil from Gabon and holds a 70 percent stake in the French exploration company Maurel & Prom through PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi.

Simultaneously, Indonesia is exploring phosphate mineral cooperation with the Republic of the Congo. While specific details remain undisclosed due to ongoing negotiations, these efforts represent a strategic expansion of Indonesia's mineral and mining interests in Central Africa.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former President Joseph Kabila has launched a new political-military coalition named the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN). This group aims to challenge the current government and operates alongside or as an alternative to the AFC-M23 rebel group in the eastern part of the country. Kabila has criticized the current administration for corruption and mismanagement, specifically citing government mineral agreements with the United States.