The United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are in early-stage discussions over a potential minerals-for-military support deal, the Financial Times reported late on Friday.
The talks were initiated by the Congolese government about two weeks ago, following President Felix Tshisekedi’s interview with the New York Times, in which he stated that the Trump administration had expressed interest in DRC’s vast mineral wealth.
The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a crucial mineral for electric vehicle batteries, supplying over 70% of global production. The country also holds significant reserves of gold, copper, tin, lithium, and tantalum.
However, much of DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region is under the control of the M23 rebel group, which, according to United Nations experts, has been backed by Rwanda and is smuggling minerals across the border.
If the discussions progress, a potential agreement could see the US provide military support to help Congo regain control over its rebel-held mining regions.
In a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Congolese Senator Pierre Kandi Kalambayi suggested granting American companies mining rights in exchange for US training and equipment for the Congolese armed forces, the Financial Times reported.
Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya confirmed the ongoing negotiations, stating last week:
“There is a desire for us to diversify our partners, and we are in daily exchanges with the United States.”
The US interest in the deal also comes over efforts to challenge China’s dominance in Congo’s mining sector.
A State Department spokesperson told the Financial Times that the DRC’s vast mineral resources are essential for advanced technologies, adding:
“The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector that align with the ‘America First’ programme of the Trump administration.”
On Sunday, the State Department confirmed to Reuters its interest in the potential minerals deal, citing Congo’s strategic importance in the supply of critical minerals.
