The United States is in behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over a potential minerals agreement that could give U.S. companies access to critical mining assets in exchange for military support.
Maged Boulos, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor on Africa, met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on April 3 to discuss a partnership focused on minerals and security cooperation.
Following the meeting, Boulos told reporters, “We’ve reviewed Congo’s proposal and hope to facilitate more private sector investment from the U.S., especially in mining.” While he did not disclose specifics of the potential agreement, he emphasized that the U.S. is committed to helping end the civil conflict in Congo.
“We affirm the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and we support lasting peace that enables a thriving regional economy,” Boulos added.
The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt-an essential mineral for electric vehicle batteries-and the second-largest supplier of copper. However, the mineral-rich eastern region of the country remains highly unstable, with more than 100 armed rebel groups threatening security and disrupting operations in areas rich in gold, coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium.
Last month, President Tshisekedi appeared on Fox News, presenting mineral cooperation with the U.S. as a potential path to stabilizing the country.
“Congo can extract and process critical minerals that benefit U.S. companies,” Tshisekedi said. “In return, American support can help strengthen our national defense and security infrastructure.”
