President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the CongTshisekedis offered the United States and the European Union access to the country’s vast mineral resources in exchange for security assistance against Rwandan-backed militants, according to The New York Times.
Tshisekedi’s proposal seeks Western intervention to counter the growing threat of the March 23 Movement (M23), a militant group advancing in eastern DRC with alleged support from Rwanda.
The DRC is home to some of the world’s largest reserves of critical minerals, including gold, tin, tantalum, and cobalt—key materials for microelectronics, batteries, and electric vehicles. The country produces the majority of the world’s tantalum and holds over half of the global cobalt reserves.
While China currently dominates Congo’s mining sector, the European Union recently struck a $935 million minerals deal with Rwanda for access to tin, tungsten, and gold. Tshisekedi hopes a new deal with Western powers will shift the balance and bolster DRC’s security and economic future.
The M23 paramilitary group launched fresh offensives earlier this year, capturing key cities and territories. In April, they surrounded Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, and Bukavu, the administrative capital of South Kivu province.
On January 30, the militants seized Sake, capturing armored vehicles, artillery, and an Su-25 attack aircraft at Mpumalanga airport. Their latest offensives have targeted government positions on the road to Butembo, further threatening stability in the region.
With Western powers already negotiating resource deals in Africa, Tshisekedi is betting that US and EU investments in Congo’s minerals could translate into security backing against Rwanda.
