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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) appears to be seeking U.S. support as it struggles to contain M23 rebels, who continue to advance in the country’s mineral-rich east.
Recognizing the transactional nature of U.S. foreign policy, particularly under President Donald Trump, Kinshasa hopes to strike a strategic deal with Washington—one that could involve critical minerals in exchange for security assistance.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed that Kinshasa wants to involve the U.S. in its efforts and is prepared to supply Washington with key minerals.
“Of course… we can also talk about security,” he added.
Why Now? DR Congo’s Military Struggles
DR Congo faces a dire security situation, with M23 fighters—backed by neighboring Rwanda—making major territorial gains.
Regional forces deployed from East and Southern Africa have failed to contain the rebel advances. Reports indicate that the M23 is considering a push westward, though the capital Kinshasa is over 1,600km (1,000 miles) away.
Faced with these mounting challenges, President Félix Tshisekedi is looking for stronger international support to bolster his military and protect national resources.
On February 22, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration had shown interest in a mineral-for-security deal with DR Congo.
The Africa-USA Business Council, a U.S. lobbying group, also wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlining a potential economic and military partnership.
What’s in It for the U.S.?
DR Congo is home to an estimated $24 trillion in untapped natural resources, including cobalt, gold, and copper.
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The country is the world’s largest supplier of cobalt, a crucial element for defense, aerospace, and electric vehicle batteries.
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Other strategic minerals include lithium, tantalum, and uranium, all of which have military applications.
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However, most of DR Congo’s mineral exports currently go to China, raising concerns in Washington about China’s dominance in the region.
A letter to Rubio warned that if the U.S. does not engage, “adversarial nations will continue to monopolize Africa’s resources.”
Could a Deal Work?
In theory, DR Congo could offer favorable terms to U.S. mining companies.
However, mining analyst Gregory Mthembu-Salter points out that U.S. firms operate differently from China’s state-backed enterprises and may see too much risk in doing business in DR Congo.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson downplayed immediate prospects for a deal, stating:
“There is nothing to preview or announce at this time.”
Still, Washington has left the door open, saying it is willing to explore partnerships aligned with its executive order to boost domestic production and processing of rare earth minerals.
Could the U.S. Offer Military Assistance?
The Africa-USA Business Council’s letter suggested a three-pronged military partnership:
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Training and equipping Congolese forces to protect mineral supply routes.
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Allowing U.S. access to military bases to safeguard key resources.
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Replacing ineffective UN peacekeepers with direct U.S.-DRC military cooperation.
However, experts remain skeptical.
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Stephanie Wolters, a regional analyst at the South African Institute of International Affairs, doubts the U.S. would deploy troops to DR Congo anytime soon.
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Military aid and training take time, and Kinshasa needs immediate help as the conflict worsens.
A History of Resource Deals Gone Wrong
DR Congo’s previous mineral deals have faced scrutiny.
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A 2008 infrastructure-for-minerals deal with China was criticized for failing to deliver key projects.
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Although Tshisekedi renegotiated the agreement, the lack of transparency in the new terms sparked further criticism.
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Mining analyst Jean-Pierre Okenda argues that any new deal with the U.S. should involve oversight from parliament and civil society to ensure it benefits ordinary Congolese.
What’s Next?
For now, nothing is set in stone.
Muyaya hinted that more details could emerge in the coming days, saying:
“There is political will from President Tshisekedi, and I think the U.S. is paying attention.”
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to appoint Massad Boulos, father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany Trump, as the new White House envoy for the Great Lakes region.
Boulos, a businessman with West African trade links, is reportedly set to visit Kinshasa in the coming weeks, potentially laying the groundwork for a future deal.
