The State Department of the United States expressed openness to exploring partnerships related to critical minerals with Congo, as stated in a communication to Reuters on Sunday. This statement came after a Congolese senator reached out to U.S. officials to propose a minerals-for-security arrangement. Congo, known for its reserves of cobalt, lithium, and uranium among other minerals, has been facing conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who have taken control of parts of its territory this year. Discussions about a potential deal with the U.S., similar to ongoing talks with Ukraine, have been circulating in Kinshasa for some time.
A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. is willing to engage in partnerships within this sector that align with the America First Agenda of the Trump Administration. The spokesperson highlighted Congo’s significant share of critical minerals essential for advanced technologies and mentioned efforts to encourage responsible and transparent mining resource development in the Democratic Republic of Congo through increased private sector investment from the U.S.
While Kinshasa has not presented a formal proposal, indicating a preference for diversified partnerships, there have been ongoing exchanges between Congo and the U.S. to explore opportunities for American investors. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya expressed interest in welcoming American capital to invest in Congo’s available reserves.
In pursuit of regional stability, Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, engaged in discussions in Washington regarding a potential partnership. A lobbyist representing Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi had also initiated contact with U.S. officials to propose U.S. investment in Congo’s mineral resources in exchange for support in enhancing regional stability. This initiative was not officially endorsed by the broader Congolese government or presidency.
Various initiatives are reportedly in progress, although at early stages, involving representatives from Congo’s presidency, ministry of mines, and Washington. While a Congolese delegation was slated to meet with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the meeting was unexpectedly canceled, according to sources.
Experts anticipate that the prospect of U.S. engagement in Congo’s mineral supply chains will generate interest in Washington. Notably, the current dominance of China in Congo’s mineral sector poses challenges, as the U.S. lacks state-owned companies and American private mining companies do not currently operate in Congo. Therefore, effective collaboration between the Congolese government and potential U.S. partners may require more intricate approaches beyond simple mining concessions.
