U.S. explores multibillion-dollar mineral deals with DRC amid ongoing crisis in country’s east

The United States is engaged in talks to invest billions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on the country’s vast mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, and uranium, crucial for global industries like electric vehicles and mobile phones.

This move comes as the DRC faces ongoing conflict in its eastern regions, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized significant territory. Senior U.S. adviser Massad Boulos confirmed the discussions following a meeting with Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi, signaling a potential minerals-for-security deal. “We have reviewed the Congo’s proposal, and … the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development,” Boulos said, adding that U.S. companies would operate transparently and contribute to the local economy. He also noted that U.S. involvement could help end the violence that has plagued the DRC’s east for nearly three decades because “there can be no economic prosperity without security.”

Congo’s mineral wealth has attracted global attention, with China currently dominating the sector. However, the DRC seeks to diversify its foreign investments, recently exploring partnerships with Saudi Arabia. U.S. involvement in the mineral-rich nation aims not only to secure valuable resources but also to stabilize the region.

Congolese lawmakers, including Joseph Bangakya, are working on legislation to improve the country’s business climate, facilitating greater international cooperation. “It is essential for our country to achieve a trade agreement with the U.S.” Bangakya said. The government is hopeful that a trade agreement with the U.S. could bolster both economic growth and long-term peace, with a focus on maintaining the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.