Trump weighs minerals deal with conflict-hit DR Congo amid M23 advances

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking a potential minerals deal with the United States as it struggles to contain the advance of M23 rebels in its resource-rich eastern regions.

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Reports suggest that President Félix Tshisekedi hopes to leverage the Trump administration’s interest in strategic minerals to secure both economic and military support.

The move follows growing concerns in Washington over China’s dominance in DRC’s mining sector. With an estimated $24 trillion in untapped resources—including cobalt, lithium, and uranium—the country presents a significant opportunity for the U.S. to bolster its access to critical minerals vital for defense, aerospace, and electric vehicle batteries.

Potential Deal with Washington

Speaking to BBC Newsday, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed that Kinshasa was eager to collaborate with the U.S. on mineral exports. He also hinted at discussions on security assistance, given the worsening conflict in the east.

A letter from the Africa-USA Business Council to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a proposed “economic and military partnership” between the two nations. According to reports, President Tshisekedi has expressed optimism about Washington’s willingness to engage.

A Military Lifeline for the DRC?

The DRC has struggled to fend off M23 rebels, who, with alleged backing from Rwanda, have made significant territorial gains. Previous regional military efforts—including troops from East and Southern Africa—have failed to halt the rebel advances.

Under the potential agreement, U.S. military cooperation could include:

• Training and equipping Congolese soldiers to protect mineral supply routes
• Establishing U.S. access to military bases in the region
• Replacing ineffective UN peacekeeping forces with direct U.S.-DRC security collaboration

However, experts remain skeptical about how quickly such assistance could materialize. Stephanie Wolters, a regional analyst for the South African Institute of International Affairs, said that while Kinshasa might want a U.S. military presence in the east, “that is not very likely to happen.”

Challenges in the Mining Sector

Despite DRC’s vast mineral wealth, past agreements with foreign powers—such as China’s infrastructure-for-minerals deal—have faced criticism over transparency and unmet promises. Congolese mining expert Jean-Pierre Okenda has urged greater oversight, emphasizing the need for parliamentary and civil society involvement.

Trump’s Possible Role

Adding to speculation, reports indicate that Trump may appoint Massad Boulos, father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany, as the U.S. envoy for Africa’s Great Lakes region. Boulos, a businessman with interests in West Africa’s motor vehicle and equipment sector, is expected to visit Kinshasa soon.

What’s Next?

While details remain unclear, Kinshasa has signaled its intent to pursue negotiations. Muyaya indicated that “in the coming days we can have more details to share,” while emphasizing Tshisekedi’s commitment to securing a deal.

Meanwhile, Washington has not confirmed any agreement, but a State Department spokesperson acknowledged the U.S. is “open to discussing partnerships” that align with its strategy to become a global leader in critical mineral production.

With DR Congo’s conflict intensifying and geopolitical rivalries over resources growing, the next steps in U.S.-DRC relations could have significant economic and security implications for both nations.