The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is looking to the United States as a potential ally in its fight against the advancing M23 rebels. Recognizing the transactional nature of President Donald Trump’s administration, Kinshasa hopes to strike a strategic mineral deal similar to the proposed Ukraine-US agreement.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed that discussions with Washington could involve supplying critical minerals while also addressing security concerns.
Why Now?
The DRC faces mounting military challenges as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, continue their advance. Regional military forces have struggled to contain them, and there are fears that the rebels may attempt to push toward the capital, Kinshasa. In light of these threats, President Félix Tshisekedi is seeking ways to strengthen his position.
On February 22, Tshisekedi indicated that the Trump administration had shown interest in a minerals deal. A day earlier, the Africa-USA Business Council had written to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, proposing an economic and military partnership.
What’s in It for the U.S.?
The DRC is home to an estimated $24 trillion worth of untapped resources, including cobalt, gold, and copper. Currently the world’s largest supplier of cobalt—a key component in defense, aerospace, and electric vehicle batteries—most of its supply goes to China. The DRC also has significant deposits of lithium, tantalum, and uranium, all of which have military applications.
Despite U.S. investment in the Lobito Corridor to facilitate mineral exports, American companies have largely stayed out of the DRC’s mining sector. A potential deal could grant U.S. firms preferential access, but analysts warn that private American companies may view the region as too risky.
Potential Benefits for the DRC
A deal with Washington could bring military cooperation, including:
- Training and equipping Congolese soldiers to safeguard mineral supply routes
- U.S. access to military bases to protect strategic resources
- Replacing ineffective UN peacekeeping forces with direct U.S.-DRC security collaboration
While the Congolese government has not confirmed these specifics, analysts are skeptical about the feasibility of a U.S. military presence in the region. Experts argue that while weapons and training may help in the long run, they may not address the immediate crisis in eastern DRC.
Mining industry experts stress the need for transparency, urging parliamentary and civil society involvement to ensure that any deal benefits the Congolese people. A previous mining-for-infrastructure agreement with China faced criticism for failing to meet its promises, prompting Tshisekedi to renegotiate it—though concerns over transparency remain.
What’s Next?
While no concrete action has been taken yet, Kinshasa remains optimistic. Muyaya hinted that further details might emerge soon, citing political will from Tshisekedi and interest from Washington.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Trump plans to appoint Massad Boulos—father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany—as the White House’s new Great Lakes regional envoy. Boulos, a businessman with extensive interests in West Africa, is expected to visit Kinshasa in the coming weeks.
