The United States has expressed interest in exploring potential partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) focused on critical minerals, according to a statement from the US State Department published on Sunday March 9.
This comes after a Congolese senator reached out to US officials with a proposal suggesting a minerals-for-security agreement. The DRC, home to vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, and uranium, is currently engaged in a conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized large portions of the country’s territory this year. Discussions regarding the minerals pact have been circulating in Kinshasa for several weeks, with the US keen on enhancing its investment in the DRC’s mining sector.
The US State Department noted that it is open to discussing potential partnerships that align with the “America First” agenda, emphasizing Congo’s importance due to its vast reserves of minerals critical for advanced technologies. The department reiterated the US commitment to fostering private sector investments in Congo’s mining industry, ensuring that such development is both responsible and transparent. Although Kinshasa has not presented a formal proposal, it has made clear its intent to diversify its partnerships, seeking various international collaborators to support its economic and security interests.
The possibility of such a partnership was further discussed when Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, visited Washington earlier this month. While a proposal from Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi calling for US investment in exchange for assistance in regional stability did not receive formal approval from the Congolese government, it reflects the DRC’s growing desire for diversified international relations. Despite the absence of an official agreement, discussions around the mining sector and regional stability continue, with future collaborations still in the early stages of development.
