Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hope to conclude a dual strategic agreement with the United States by the end of June 2025: one on investments in the country’s critical minerals, the other aimed at defusing the conflict in the east of the territory, where the Rwandan-backed M23 rebellion is raging.
Discussions surrounding mining development in Africa seek to maximize economic benefits for African countries while integrating social and environmental dimensions. It is within this framework that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States are currently conducting intensive negotiations to establish a strategic partnership focused on the exploitation of critical minerals. The two countries are expected to finalize an investment agreement by the end of June 2025.
“The numerous media manipulations surrounding the strategic partnership currently being finalized between the DRC and the United States regarding the development of critical minerals, some speeches sometimes linked to it by a section of the press, wrongly refer to an alleged sell-off of our natural resources.”
Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Republic – DR Congo
The proposed agreement aims to encourage U.S. investment in the DRC’s strategic minerals while supporting efforts to end the rebellion in the eastern part of the country, fueled by Rwandan-backed groups. Moreover, the agreement would provide the DRC with a major opportunity to diversify its international partnerships, reducing its dependence on China, which currently dominates the exploitation of its vast mineral resources.
« We discussed several areas, including the development of trade relations between the United States and the DRC. You’ve heard about the minerals agreement. We’ve reviewed the DRC’s proposal, and I’m pleased to announce that the President and I have agreed to follow up on its development. »
Massad Boulos, Donald Trump’s Africa Advisor – United States
Congolese authorities denounce the systematic plundering of their mineral resources as a key factor in the conflicts between the government and M23 rebels in eastern DRC. According to a UN report from June 2024, the M23 armed group exported approximately 150 tons of coltan to Rwanda, generating nearly $300,000 per month through its control of a strategic mining site in the east of the country.
“This agreement with the United States would allow us to diversify our partnerships, thus reducing the country’s dependence on China for the exploitation of its immense mineral resources.”
Kizito Pakabomba, Minister of Mines – DR Congo
The DRC is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of mineral resources, holding nearly half of the world’s cobalt reserves and positioning itself as the world’s second largest producer of copper.
