DRC eyes Ukraine-style minerals-for-security deal with U.S. to counter rebels, China’s influence

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States are engaged in preliminary talks over a potential minerals-for-security agreement, which could reshape global supply chains for critical minerals.
It comes as U.S. president Donald Trump recently vowed to take “historic action” to “dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths.” Under the proposed deal, the U.S. would gain access to Congo’s vast mineral reserves, including cobalt, lithium, and copper, in exchange for military support to combat armed groups, particularly the M23 rebels in the eastern DRC. The mineral deal talks are taking place against the backdrop of an escalating crisis in DRC’s east, where the M23 have been gaining territory, prompting president Felix Tshisekedi’s hold on power look increasingly shaky. “It reads like an act of desperation,” said Indigo Ellis, managing director at JS Held consultancy.
Congo, which holds more than 70% of the world’s cobalt supply, is seeking to diversify its international partnerships, with a focus on countering the dominance of Chinese companies in its mining sector. China currently controls most large mining operations in the DRC, raising concerns about its growing influence in the region. No major U.S. mining companies have operated in the DRC since Freeport-McMoRan sold its stake in the Tenke Fungurume copper mine in 2016.
The U.S. sees the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen its strategic access to vital minerals, which are crucial for technologies like electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy. The deal would also involve the U.S. training and equipping the Congolese Armed Forces to secure mineral supply routes, including the Banana Deep-Water Port, a key export hub. However, critics warn that such a deal could lead to increased corporate control over Congo’s resources, diminishing the country’s sovereignty. While the talks are in the early stages, both sides are hopeful that the agreement will enhance DRC’s security and foster economic growth, creating a new chapter in U.S.-Congo relations amidst growing global competition for critical minerals.