DRC Seeks Minerals-for-Security Deal with the U.S. Amid Conflict

The DRC is negotiating a minerals-for-security deal with the U.S. to combat rising violence from the M23 rebel group. Key proposals include access to DRC’s mineral resources in exchange for military support. The U.S. interest revolves around securing access to valuable critical minerals amidst ongoing regional conflicts and historic relations with China.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is actively seeking a minerals-for-security deal with the United States amid rising violence from the M23 rebel group. Congolese officials have reported continuous discussions with U.S. representatives aimed at obtaining military support in exchange for access to the DRC’s mineral resources, particularly gold and coltan, which are essential for electronic device manufacturing.

Since January, the DRC has documented over 7,000 fatalities and widespread displacement due to conflict, exacerbated by the activities of more than 100 armed groups. DRC legislators are optimistic about potential U.S. troop deployment, although experts are skeptical that this aligns with President Trump’s “America First” policy, which may favor indirect military support.

The DRC’s push for a minerals deal is motivated by recent U.S. assistance to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, where a similar agreement was proposed. The DRC’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Andre Wameso, visited Washington to discuss a potential U.S. partnership, emphasizing the need for security against armed groups controlling lucrative mineral regions.

On February 21, the Africa Business Council reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing interest in U.S. investment in the DRC. The proposal includes access for U.S. firms to DRC’s resource-rich mines and a collaborative mineral stockpile, with the DRC seeking military training and direct access to U.S. forces in return.

Decades of conflict have weakened the DRC’s military, making the need for partnership critical to addressing the threat from M23 and other groups. Despite ongoing peacekeeping efforts, M23 has captured key towns and is reportedly supported by neighboring Rwanda, igniting regional tensions.

The U.S. could benefit from direct access to the DRC’s minerals, particularly as previous deals with China have been criticized for their lack of transparency. DRC’s current administration under President Tshisekedi may be inclined to diversify partnerships beyond China, inviting the U.S. and other investors into the mining sector. However, significant challenges remain for the DRC to alter its security landscape or reduce Chinese dominance in the industry.

The DRC’s push for a minerals-for-security deal with the U.S. stems from ongoing armed conflict and the desire for military support to combat rebel groups like M23. Current proposals aim to strengthen U.S.-DRC relations by offering access to valuable mineral resources in exchange for assistance. As geopolitical dynamics shift, both nations must navigate complex security and investment landscapes while addressing the region’s longstanding conflicts. The effectiveness and nature of any forthcoming agreements remain to be seen.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com