US Plans Mineral Deal with Democratic Republic of Congo

The United States is in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish a deal for access to its vast reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt, copper, and uranium, in exchange for military assistance to combat escalating violence from M23 militants in the eastern provinces. Recent reports indicate that negotiations have intensified, reflecting the DRC's urgent need for support amid ongoing conflict, which has led to significant fatalities and instability. Congolese officials, including President Félix Tshisekedi and Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi, have emphasized the DRC's potential as a strategic partner, urging the U.S. to source minerals directly from them rather than through Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the rebels. The U.S. State Department has expressed interest in this partnership as part of its 'America First' agenda, aiming to counter China's influence in the region's mining sector. The proposed deal could bolster U.S. access to essential resources for advanced technologies, including electric vehicle batteries and military equipment. However, the fragile political situation in the DRC poses challenges to the negotiations, with some viewing the proposal as a desperate measure for Tshisekedi's government.