U.S, DR Congo to Explore Minerals Partnership Amid Security Talks

The United States is open to exploring a critical minerals partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to newsmen. This comes after Congolese Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi reached out to U.S. officials, proposing a minerals-for-security deal.

DR Congo, home to vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, and uranium, has been battling Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized large parts of its territory this year. With growing global demand for critical minerals, discussions about a U.S.-Congo partnership have been circulating in Kinshasa for weeks.

Strategic U.S. Interest

A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. is open to partnerships aligned with the America First agenda, recognizing Congo’s strategic role in global mineral supply chains. The U.S. has already been working to boost private-sector investment in Congo’s mining sector, ensuring operations are conducted in a responsible and transparent manner.

While Kinshasa has not officially detailed a proposal, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya confirmed that Congo is actively seeking diversified partnerships. “If American investors are interested, they will find opportunities here,” he stated.

Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy

Recent diplomatic efforts include Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to President Félix Tshisekedi, travelling to Washington for talks earlier this month. On February 21, a lobbyist representing Senator Kalambayi sent letters to U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, inviting U.S. investment in exchange for assistance in reinforcing regional stability.

However, Congolese officials clarified that this proposal was not officially endorsed by the government or the presidency, though multiple initiatives remain under discussion. A planned March 6 meeting between a Congolese delegation and the House Foreign Affairs Committee was canceled at short notice.

Challenges & Complications

Despite interest from Washington, Congo’s mineral sector is currently dominated by China, presenting a challenge for the U.S., which lacks state-owned mining companies. Jason Stearns, a Congo expert at Simon Fraser University, noted that if Congo wants U.S. engagement, it must find alternative strategies beyond simply offering mining concessions.

As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, will the U.S. take a stronger role in Congo’s mining sector, or will China maintain its dominance? The next steps in these negotiations could reshape global mineral supply chains.

S.S/REUTERS