Congo fighting flares within hours of peace deal ceremony

Dec. 08, 2025

Q: Fighting raged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) just hours after President Trump declared, “We're settling a war that's been going on for decades,” during a peace deal ceremony last week in Washington. Where is DR Congo, the largest country in central Africa?

Circle the area on this map

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Q: President Trump hosted the presidents of DR Congo and its small eastern neighbor, Rwanda, who signed agreements aimed at ending the fighting. The deal also opened the region’s critical mineral reserves to the United States. Which European nation brutally exploited DR Congo’s resources in the late 1800s and early 1900s?

A. Belgium

B. France

C. Germany

D. United Kingdom

Q: Fighting between government and rebel forces flared near DR Congo’s eastern border with Rwanda. “We only see bombs falling without knowing which side they are coming from,” said one resident. Which nation is on the western border of DR Congo?

A. Central African Republic

B. Republic of Burundi

C. Republic of the Congo

D. Republic of Uganda

Q: Mineral deposits estimated to be worth $24 trillion have been a driving force behind three decades of brutal warfare in eastern DR Congo. The United States is eager to buy those minerals. Which nation now buys most of DR Congo’s exports?

A. Belgium

B. China

C. Russia

D. United States

Q: Despite its huge potential wealth in minerals, 56% of DR Congo’s 115 million people live in poverty. Its gross domestic product (GDP) per person is $1,500 a year, according to the CIA World Factbook. Which African nation is the poorest?

A. Seychelles

B. Somalia

C. South Africa

D. South Sudan

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