Congo President Proposes Minerals-for-Security Partnership with U.S.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced his willingness to engage in a minerals-for-security deal with the U.S., aiming to enhance both the country’s security and its mineral processing capabilities. He highlighted the U.S.’s ability to help manage local armed threats.

On March 19, 2025, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo expressed his nation’s readiness to collaborate with the United States on a minerals-for-security agreement. In an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News, Tshisekedi emphasized that such a partnership would enable the Congo to extract and process its valuable minerals, potentially benefiting American companies while simultaneously enhancing the security and defense capabilities of the Congo.

Tshisekedi stated, “I think that the U.S. is able to use either pressure or sanctions to make sure that armed groups who are in the DRC can be kept at bay.” The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and uranium, but is currently facing challenges due to the M23 rebels, who have gained control over several territories in the eastern region of the country this year.

In summary, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has indicated his desire for a partnership with the United States, aimed at facilitating the extraction and processing of critical minerals while enhancing security against armed groups. This potential minerals-for-security deal could foster economic benefits for both the Congo and U.S. interests, amidst ongoing challenges from rebel factions.

Original Source: www.mining.com