DRC Seeks Minerals-for-Security Deal with the US Amid Escalating Conflict

The DRC is negotiating a minerals-for-security deal with the U.S. due to escalating conflict with the M23 armed group. This initiative aims to secure military support in exchange for access to its vast mineral wealth. Recent proposals highlight a desire to diversify partnerships away from China, signaling strategic shifts in U.S.-DRC relations amid ongoing violence in the region.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is actively engaging with the United States to negotiate a minerals-for-security deal due to escalating violence attributed to the M23 armed group. Congolese officials have communicated their intentions to secure U.S. military support amid a backdrop of conflict, where over 7,000 fatalities and numerous displacements have been reported this year alone, largely due to territorial seizures in mineral-rich regions.

The DRC’s pursuit of a minerals deal with the U.S. appears inspired by Washington’s commitment to Ukraine, which includes a proposal for mineral revenue in exchange for military support. DRC officials, including Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to President Felix Tshisekedi, have sought similar terms, seeking to leverage the country’s substantial mineral wealth valued at approximately $24 trillion for enhanced security partnerships.

On February 21, the Africa Business Council reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, advocating for an economic and security partnership that would involve U.S. investment in the DRC. This proposal outlines mutual benefits, such as U.S. access to Congolese mines and training for DRC forces, while also suggesting shared control over mineral stockpiles to benefit both nations.

For the DRC, the urgency of establishing a security alliance is underscored by a prolonged conflict that has persisted for over three decades, exacerbated by governmental corruption and the presence of numerous armed groups, including M23. President Tshisekedi’s administration prioritizes defeating M23, which has secured critical areas like Goma and Bukavu, thereby undermining the DRC’s stability.

Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict complicates matters, as the country has been accused of supporting the M23 armed group. Historical tensions regarding mineral resource exploitation have led to accusations against both nations, further entrenching the conflict. Recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. and EU on Rwandan officials illustrate international concerns regarding the ongoing violence in eastern DRC.

Beneficially, the U.S. stands to gain direct access to significant mineral resources through a partnership with the DRC. Historically, previous mineral contracts with China have faced scrutiny over transparency and delivery issues. Under President Tshisekedi, the DRC appears intent on diversifying its foreign partnerships and inviting increased American investment in the mining sector.

Looking ahead, the DRC and U.S. relationship, which had already been strengthening under former President Biden, may see increased transactional approaches under the Trump administration. However, the feasibility and immediate impact of military support from the U.S. remain uncertain amidst ongoing hostilities and M23’s advances.

The DRC is seeking a minerals-for-security deal with the United States in response to severe ongoing conflicts driven by the M23 group, emphasizing the need for military support to protect its mineral-rich territories. Engagements with U.S. officials illustrate the DRC’s strategic intentions, reflecting a potential shift in partnerships and investment opportunities. As the two nations consider mutual benefits, the complexity of the DRC’s armed conflicts and regional dynamics will shape the future of these negotiations.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com