The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is exploring a potential minerals deal with the United States as it battles advancing M23 rebels in its eastern region. With the Biden administration showing interest in strategic mineral partnerships most notably in Ukraine the resource-rich DRC hopes to secure a similar arrangement with Washington.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed the discussions, stating that the country seeks to supply the U.S. with critical minerals while also addressing security concerns. “Of course, we can also talk about security,” he added in an interview with the BBC.
Why Now?
DRC is facing significant security challenges as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, make territorial gains in the east. Regional military interventions have failed to halt their advance, and fears are growing that the rebels could push towards the capital, Kinshasa. Against this backdrop, President Félix Tshisekedi is looking for stronger international backing.
On February 22, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration had expressed interest in a strategic minerals deal with the DRC. This came a day after the Africa-USA Business Council, a lobby group, wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocating for an economic and military partnership.
U.S. Interests and Strategic Resources
The DRC holds an estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral wealth, including cobalt, lithium, gold, and copper crucial for defense, aerospace, and battery production. Currently, China dominates the Congolese mining sector, raising U.S. concerns about losing access to these critical materials. A proposed partnership could offer U.S. companies preferential access to DRC’s resources.
However, mining analyst Gregory Mthembu-Salter warns that U.S. firms, unlike their Chinese counterparts, may find DRC’s volatile environment too risky for investment.
Military Cooperation on the Table?
A potential deal could extend beyond minerals to include military cooperation. Proposals reportedly include training Congolese soldiers, securing mineral supply routes, and replacing ineffective UN peacekeeping forces with direct U.S.-DRC collaboration.
Despite these discussions, skepticism remains. Regional analyst Stephanie Wolters doubts the feasibility of a U.S. military presence in eastern DRC, emphasizing that weapons and training are long-term solutions rather than immediate fixes.
Adding to speculation, Semafor reports that former President Trump is set to appoint Massad Boulos father-in-law of Tiffany Trump’s husband as the White House’s Great Lakes regional envoy. Boulos, with business ties in West Africa, is expected to visit Kinshasa soon.
While nothing concrete has been agreed upon, Kinshasa remains hopeful. Muyaya suggested more details could emerge in the coming days, signaling continued diplomatic maneuvering between the two nations.
