Why does DRC want a Ukraine-like minerals deal with Trump, amid conflict?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Seeks Minerals-for-Security Deal with the United States

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently engaged in daily diplomatic exchanges with the United States government, aiming to secure a minerals-for-security deal. This initiative comes amidst escalating violence in the country, particularly in the eastern regions, where the rebel group M23 has seized control of territory rich in gold and coltan, a mineral critical for the production of electronic devices. The DRC government estimates that at least 7,000 people have been killed since January, with thousands more displaced. While no official proposal has been finalized, Congolese legislators are hopeful that the U.S. will provide military support to help contain the conflict in exchange for access to the DRC’s vast mineral resources.

Inspiration Behind the DRC’s Proposal

The DRC’s pursuit of a minerals-for-security deal with the U.S. appears to be inspired by a similar arrangement proposed by Washington to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. Under this Ukrainian deal, the U.S. would receive a 50% stake in Ukraine’s mineral revenue in exchange for a long-term financial and security commitment to the country. The DRC, like Ukraine, is facing a dire security situation, with over 100 armed groups, including the M23, controlling lucrative mines across the country. The DRC is a major producer of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold, known collectively as 3TG minerals, which are essential for the production of electronics, defense equipment, and electric vehicles. The country’s untapped natural resources are estimated to be worth around $24 trillion, making it a highly strategic partner for global powers.

Congolese Legislators’ Proposal to the U.S.

In February, the Africa Business Council, acting on behalf of Congolese Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi, who chairs the DRC’s senate committee on defense, security, and border protection, reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The council proposed a partnership that would grant U.S. defense and technology companies access to the DRC’s mines, as well as a port for exports. In exchange, the U.S. would provide training and equipment for Congolese forces and establish a joint mineral stockpile to be shared by both nations. While U.S. officials have expressed openness to discussing such a partnership, they emphasize that any deal must align with President Trump’s “America First” agenda. The U.S. has also emphasized the importance of responsible and transparent private sector investment in the DRC.

The Armed Conflict in the DRC

The DRC has been embroiled in a protracted conflict for over 30 years, with widespread corruption weakening its armed forces. The current rebellion by the M23 group has intensified the crisis, with the group seizing key towns such as Goma and Bukavu and advancing towards the major mining hub of Walikale. The conflict is further complicated by regional tensions, with the UN and U.S. accusing neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 and smuggling minerals out of the DRC. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame denies these allegations but has justified military interventions in the DRC to protect Congolese Tutsis, a minority group that fled Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. Meanwhile, the DRC accuses Rwanda of harbouring Hutu armed groups linked to the genocide. This complex web of conflicts has led to significant human suffering, with millions displaced and thousands killed.

U.S. Interests and Potential Benefits of a Deal

Analysts suggest that the U.S. could benefit significantly from a minerals-for-security deal with the DRC. The DRC is a major producer of critical minerals, including cobalt, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries and advanced technologies. Currently, Chinese companies dominate the DRC’s mining sector, with nine of the largest cobalt mines in the southern Katanga region operated by Chinese firms. However, under President Felix Tshisekedi, the DRC has expressed a desire to diversify its partnerships and reduce its reliance on China. The U.S. could gain direct access to these minerals, reducing its dependence on other suppliers and strengthening its position in the global tech and defense industries. However, analysts caution that the U.S. is unlikely to seek ownership of mines in the DRC, as this would place it in direct competition with China. Instead, the U.S. may opt to purchase minerals directly from the DRC government while continuing to support Chinese operations in the region.

Future Prospects and Challenges

While the DRC and the U.S. have yet to finalize any deals, the two countries have been fostering a growing relationship, particularly under the previous Biden administration. The U.S. is already investing in the Lobito Corridor, an infrastructure project aimed at exporting the DRC’s minerals through neighboring Angola. Under President Trump’s “America First” agenda, this relationship is likely to become more transactional, with the U.S. seeking to secure its interests in the region. However, analysts warn that any U.S. military support for the DRC would likely take time to materialize and may not immediately alter the course of the conflict. Instead, such support would more likely bolster the DRC’s long-term efforts to reform its military and stabilize the region. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of these negotiations and the future of the DRC’s conflict hanging in the balance.