President Tshisekedi Seeks U.S. Partnership to End Conflict and Boost Economy
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has formally proposed a strategic minerals deal with the United States in exchange for a security agreement aimed at removing violent rebel forces from his country.
In a letter sent to President Donald Trump in February 2025, Tshisekedi emphasized that a partnership with the U.S. would secure critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum—essential materials for industries including defense, aerospace, and electric vehicles.
“The U.S. election has ushered in a golden age for America,” Tshisekedi wrote, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. “Our partnership would provide the U.S. with a strategic advantage by securing these minerals directly from the DRC.”
The DRC, home to over $20 trillion worth of minerals, is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and advanced electronics. Tshisekedi’s proposal aims to limit China’s influence in Congo’s mining sector, where Beijing has dominated for years.
Security Deal to Counter Rwanda-Backed Rebels
The potential deal comes amid an escalating conflict between the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The armed group seized Goma, North Kivu’s capital, earlier this year, leading to intensified clashes that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.N. peacekeepers and foreign soldiers.
Tshisekedi has called for a formal security pact with the U.S. to help end the bloodshed and curb illicit mineral smuggling through Rwanda. The Congolese government is also in talks with Erik Prince, the founder of the former Blackwater private military firm and a Trump ally, to support security operations in the region.
“We want to extract these minerals but also process them, as this would create a lot of jobs,” Tshisekedi told Fox News’ Bret Baier. “And we want a partnership that will provide lasting peace and stability for our countries, which we need.”
U.S. Interest in Securing Global Mineral Supply Chains
The proposal follows the Trump administration’s previous efforts to secure minerals from Ukraine in exchange for military aid, though that deal stalled after tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The White House has not yet responded to Tshisekedi’s proposal. However, geopolitical analysts suggest that securing a direct supply of Congolese minerals would strengthen U.S. dominance in clean energy, defense, and tech industries while reducing reliance on China.
As negotiations continue, Tshisekedi has positioned the DRC as a crucial partner for the U.S., offering both economic opportunities and strategic advantages in the global minerals race.
Source: FoxNews