According to a statement from the State Department to Reuters on Sunday, the United States is interested in potentially forming partnerships with Congo in the critical minerals sector. This comes after a Congolese senator reached out to U.S. officials to propose a minerals-for-security agreement. Congo, known for its reserves of cobalt, lithium, and uranium, has been dealing with conflict involving M23 rebels supported by Rwanda.
Discussions of a possible deal with the U.S., along with ongoing talks with Ukraine on a similar minerals agreement, have been circulating in Kinshasa for some time. A State Department spokesperson mentioned that the U.S. is open to exploring partnerships in line with the America First Agenda, highlighting Congo’s significant share of critical minerals essential for advanced technologies. Efforts have been made to encourage U.S. private sector investment in the DRC while promoting responsible and transparent mining practices.
Although no specific proposal has been made public by Kinshasa, the government has expressed interest in diversifying partnerships. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya emphasized the availability of reserves and welcomed American investors to explore opportunities in the country. Discussions on potential partnerships have been ongoing, with a recent visit to Washington by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s deputy chief of staff for talks on collaboration.
An initiative by Congolese Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi to seek U.S. investment in Congo’s mineral resources in exchange for enhancing regional stability was not formally endorsed by the wider Congolese government. Various initiatives are said to be in progress, although still in early stages. While there was a scheduled meeting between a Congolese delegation and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it was abruptly canceled.
Experts suggest that the potential partnership could be of interest in Washington, especially as Congo’s mineral trade is currently dominated by China. Unlike China, the U.S. does not have state-owned mining companies operating in Congo. Therefore, any successful collaboration with American entities would likely require more complex engagement strategies.
(Source: Reuters, Reporting by Congo newsroom, Sonia Rolley, and Portia Crowe; Editing by David Holmes)
