U.S. Engages in Talks with DRC for Rare Earths in Military Aid Exchange

The U.S. is in talks with the DRC for a deal on rare earth elements, providing military aid in exchange. The discussions, reported by the Financial Times, underscore a shift in resource-based foreign policy following issues with Ukraine. DRC officials seek direct sales of minerals, framed by regional instability due to rebels controlling mineral-rich areas.

The United States has embarked on discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over a potential agreement concerning rare earth elements, as part of its strategy to access critical resources abroad. This comes after prior negotiations with Ukraine failed. According to the Financial Times, the proposed deal would allow the US access to essential minerals in return for military support to the DRC, although the talks are currently in the early stages and face several challenges.

Reports indicate that armed rebel groups, reportedly supported by Rwandan forces, have seized significant territories in eastern DRC, exploiting the region’s rich mineral resources. In a statement, Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Félix Tshisekedi, emphasized the DRC’s position, inviting the US to directly acquire minerals from them, as the legitimate owners of these resources.

The eastern DRC is believed to hold extensive reserves of vital minerals such as cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and uranium. In light of these circumstances, Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi has urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to foster a partnership with Kinshasa. Kalambayi highlighted that the DRC, which possesses over $24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves, is an ideal candidate for collaboration with the US, proposing that military support should accompany the mineral exchange.

This initiative follows an abrupt end to a similar deal with Ukraine, which faltered during a critical meeting involving President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. They criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for perceived ingratitude toward US assistance, resulting in the collapse of the agreement that sought Ukraine’s natural resource revenues for US military aid.

The potential partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo over rare earth elements showcases a strategic pivot in US foreign policy aimed at securing essential resources. As discussions progress, significant challenges remain, particularly amid ongoing regional instability. The DRC’s vast mineral wealth presents an opportunity for both nations, contingent upon the establishment of a robust security agreement and cooperation.

Original Source: www.presstv.ir