The United States has expressed openness to exploring critical minerals partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement from the State Department. This follows discussions initiated by a Congolese senator proposing a minerals-for-security deal amid ongoing regional conflicts.
The DRC is one of the world’s richest sources of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and uranium key components for advanced technologies including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. However, the country continues to grapple with instability, particularly from Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who have seized vast territories this year.
While Kinshasa has not formally detailed a proposal, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya emphasized the country’s intent to diversify its partnerships. “If today American investors are interested in coming to the DRC, obviously they will find space … DRC has reserves that are available and it would also be good if American capital could invest here,” Muyaya said.
The U.S. has long sought to encourage private-sector investment in the DRC’s mining sector, aiming to ensure responsible and transparent resource development. A State Department spokesperson reaffirmed this commitment, stating that partnerships would need to align with U.S. economic and geopolitical interests.
Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to President Felix Tshisekedi, recently traveled to Washington to discuss potential collaborations. Meanwhile, a lobbyist representing Congolese Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi reached out to U.S. officials, inviting American investment in exchange for assistance in reinforcing regional stability. However, Congolese officials clarified that this initiative was not officially sanctioned by the broader government.
A scheduled meeting between a Congolese delegation and the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 6 was abruptly canceled, adding uncertainty to the discussions. Nonetheless, multiple sources indicate that talks remain in early stages.
Jason Stearns, a Congo expert at Simon Fraser University, noted that China currently dominates Congo’s mineral supply chains, while the U.S. lacks state-owned mining enterprises. “If the Congolese want to make this work, it will probably not be by offering a U.S. company a mining concession. They’ll have to look at more complicated ways of engaging the U.S.,” he observed.
As both nations continue to explore avenues for collaboration, the outcome of these discussions could significantly impact global supply chains and regional stability in Central Africa.
