The United States has expressed readiness to explore partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to secure access to critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and uranium. The announcement comes as Congo grapples with escalating conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized significant territories this year. The DRC holds about 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, a vital component for electric vehicle batteries and other advanced technologies.
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that Washington is open to discussions aligned with America’s strategic interests. “The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector that are aligned with the Trump Administration’s America First Agenda,” the spokesperson noted. This potential partnership reflects growing US efforts to diversify its mineral supply chains, especially amid ongoing discussions with Ukraine over similar deals.
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Meanwhile, Congolese officials have signaled a strong interest in diversifying their international partnerships. “There is a desire for us to diversify our partners,” said government spokesman Patrick Muyaya. The talks follow a visit to Washington by Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, aimed at exploring a minerals-for-security deal. However, the Congolese government has yet to publicly detail any proposals, leaving the future of these discussions uncertain.
