The Democratic Republic of the Congo is engaged in discussions with the United States to possibly secure a minerals-for-security agreement, according to Congolese officials speaking to the press. This move is occurring amidst escalating violence in the region, with the rebel group M23 capturing territory that is rich in resources such as gold and coltan, a mineral essential for electronic devices. Over 7,000 individuals have lost their lives since January, with thousands more being displaced due to the conflict.
Although no formal proposal has been made, DRC legislators appear to hope for US military support in exchange for access to these minerals. However, analysts are unsure if such a partnership would align with US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, and expect the US to take a less direct approach.
The proposal reportedly includes providing military equipment to the DRC, rather than actual troop support, according to Daniel van Dalen of South Africa-based security intelligence firm Signal Risk. US officials have signaled their openness to discussing such agreements, noting the significance of DRC’s mineral reserves for advanced technologies.
The motive for these discussions is believed to stem from the US proposal to Ukraine, where support in their conflict against Russia could be exchanged for minerals. DRC faces similar security challenges as they combat the M23 and over 100 other armed groups. Despite the presence of peacekeeping forces, including a UN mission, the M23 has made significant territorial gains. There is also dispute with Rwanda, which the UN and US accuse of supporting M23.
Analysts suggest that the US may benefit from direct access to DRC-controlled minerals and view the potential partnership as a means to reduce China’s dominance in the region’s mining industry. However, it is unclear whether the US would seek outright ownership of mines in the DRC and how any deals would impact the ongoing conflict and China’s continued mining operations.
The DRC-US relationship under former President Joe Biden was growing, but it remains to be seen if this will lead to actual deals. The US is currently investing in the Lobito Corridor project for exporting DRC’s minerals. Analysts expect the US to make the relationship more transactional under Trump, similar to the Ukraine negotiations, but it is uncertain how new military equipment for the DRC would immediately alter the conflict’s trajectory.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/17/amid-conflict-why-does-the-drc-want-a-minerals-deal-with-trump?traffic_source=rss
