The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) stands at the center of international interest due to its vast untapped mineral wealth, estimated at $24 trillion (£19 trillion). These resources include critical elements such as cobalt, gold, and copper. As the world's largest supplier of cobalt, a mineral essential for batteries in electric vehicles and with applications in defense and aerospace, DR Congo has grabbed the attention of global powers. The United States is particularly interested in securing a deal with DR Congo to access these strategic minerals.
Most of DR Congo's cobalt currently finds its way to China. However, the US is keen on altering this dynamic by exploring an "economic and military partnership" with DR Congo. This potential partnership aligns with a recent executive order aimed at positioning the US as a leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals, including rare earth elements.
The proposed agreement is not only economically motivated but also strategically significant. It could involve training and equipping soldiers to safeguard mineral supply routes, providing access to military bases to protect these critical resources, and potentially replacing the current UN peacekeeping operations with direct US-DRC security cooperation.
"Replacing ineffective UN peacekeeping operations with direct US-DRC security co-operation" – letter to Rubio
The interest in a US-DRC partnership comes at a time when DR Congo faces significant military challenges. The M23 rebels have made notable advances in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the country. There are concerns about their intentions to move westward towards Kinshasa, the capital, which sits approximately 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from their current positions.
In response to these challenges, the US is investing in the Lobito corridor infrastructure project. This initiative aims to facilitate the transport of goods from central Africa to Angola's ports. Despite this investment, American companies have yet to penetrate the Congolese mining sector.
President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo has expressed interest in forming a deal with the US, indicating that the Trump administration had previously shown interest in securing access to strategic minerals. Patrick Muyaya, a spokesperson for the Congolese government, confirmed the country's desire to involve the US in mineral supply discussions.
"Nothing to preview or announce at this time" – US Department of State spokesperson
Despite these developments, official confirmation from the US remains elusive. A spokesperson from the US Department of State stated there is "nothing to preview or announce at this time" regarding any formal agreement with DR Congo. Nonetheless, the Africa-USA Business Council has actively engaged with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on behalf of a Congolese senator. Their communication outlines a potential deal involving an economic and military partnership.
While the prospect of a US-DRC minerals deal holds significant promise, it has been met with skepticism from some analysts. Critics question the feasibility and potential effectiveness of such a partnership, given the complex geopolitical and security challenges in DR Congo.