The United States is in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding a potential minerals-for-security agreement.
This minerals-for-security deal would grant U.S. companies access to the DR Congo's critical minerals, such as cobalt and lithium, in exchange for military assistance.
Under the proposed agreement, the U.S. would help train and equip the Congolese Armed Forces to protect mineral supply chains and counter the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of smuggling minerals into Rwanda.
Additionally, the deal could see U.S. firms taking operational control of the Banana Deep-Water Port, a key export hub for minerals.
This initiative aligns with the Trump administration's strategy to secure global resource supplies, particularly as demand for strategic minerals rises amid geopolitical competition with China.
If finalized, the deal could reshape U.S.-DRC relations and the global supply chain for battery and energy-transition minerals.
The minerals-for-security deal
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rich in cobalt, lithium, and uranium, is seeking to leverage its vast mineral wealth to secure stronger security and economic partnerships with the United States and Europe.
The country has been battling Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized significant territory and disrupted mineral supply routes.
As part of a proposed "minerals-for-security" deal, DRC is offering the U.S. and its allies access to its critical mineral reserves in exchange for military assistance, particularly in training and equipping the Congolese Armed Forces to counter M23.
The deal may also include granting U.S. firms operational control of the Banana Deep-Water Port, a strategic export hub for minerals.
The agreement could have far-reaching geopolitical implications, particularly concerning relations between the U.S., Rwanda, and China-the latter being a dominant player in DRC's mining sector.
Some critics warn that the deal risks putting Congo's resources under U.S. corporate control, potentially reducing its sovereignty.
Reuters reports that the negotiations gained momentum following a recent visit by Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, to Washington, D.C., where discussions were held on strengthening mining partnerships.
The U.S. State Department, in response, expressed openness to exploring critical mineral agreements aligned with the Trump administration's "America First" agenda.
While supporters argue that the deal could enhance DRC's security and break cycles of foreign exploitation, critics caution against the potential risks of economic dependency and external corporate dominance over DRC's resources.
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