The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has extended an offer to the US, proposing exclusive access to its critical minerals and infrastructure projects, reported Bloomberg.
In return, the DRC is seeking security assistance to combat a rebellion that is allegedly supported by Rwanda.
In a direct appeal, Congo has requested an urgent meeting between President Felix Tshisekedi and US President Donald Trump.
The proposed pact is expected to grant US companies privileged access to minerals essential for the global energy transition.
The request, conveyed in a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscores the DRC’s pressing need for support as it contends with internal conflict.
Congo’s mining sector, a significant source of copper, is currently dominated by Chinese companies.
A partnership with the US will enable Congo to diversify its economic alliances and reduce China’s influence.
The proposal includes operational control for US companies, “exclusive” extraction and export rights, participation in a deep-water port project and the creation of a joint strategic mineral stockpile.
In exchange for these economic opportunities, the US would provide military training, equipment, and direct security assistance including access to military bases to protect strategic resources.
A US-Africa business group advocating for the DRC stated in the letter: “As the world’s largest supplier of cobalt and a major producer of lithium, tantalum and uranium, the DRC’s resources are integral to US industrial competitiveness and national security.”
The US State Department has expressed openness to discussions on potential partnerships in the mining sector. Such collaborations are envisioned to strengthen the economies of both nations.
However, the prospect of a deal remains uncertain. Previous attempts by Joe Biden to engage US companies with the DRC’s mineral wealth faced challenges due to concerns over corruption, environmental harm and labour issues.
Additionally, the US has historically been hesitant to support the DRC’s military, which has faced allegations of human rights violations.
Joshua Walker, programme director for the Congo Research Group at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, highlighted the complexities of renegotiating mining contracts and the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s capacity to mobilise US investors.
The commitment of the new administration to address Rwandan aggression in the DRC also remains unclear.
The letter, which was disclosed on the Foreign Agents Registration Act website, was sent by lobbyist Aaron Poynton on behalf of Pierre Kanda Kalambayi, chair of the Congolese Senate’s Committee on Defence, Security and Border Protection.
Similar letters were sent to other key US officials, indicating Congo’s pursuit of a minerals-for-security arrangement.
In February 2025, Congo initiated a state monopoly to oversee the production and export of artisanal cobalt.
