The minerals-for-security agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and the United States is gaining momentum following a recent proposal by President Felix Tshisekedi to U.S. President Donald Trump.
In March 2025, President Tshisekedi expressed his openness to a partnership with the United States centered on the development of critical minerals, provided that American engagement would contribute to improving security and suppressing insurgencies in the region.
“I believe the U.S. has the ability to apply either diplomatic pressure or sanctions to ensure armed groups are kept in check,” Tshisekedi said during an appearance on U.S. television network Fox.
RELATED STORIES
Just weeks after his public proposal, a senior official from the Trump administration confirmed that discussions are underway with the conflict-ridden Central African nation. The focus of the talks is the development of Congo’s vast mineral wealth, in line with President Tshisekedi’s vision for a safer and more stable country.
Massad Boulos, President Trump’s senior adviser for African affairs, visited Kinshasa for high-level discussions with Tshisekedi. While Boulos withheld specific details about the potential deal, he stated that the initiative could result in “multibillion-dollar investments.”
READ ALSO: DR Congo president proposes minerals-for-security deal to Trump to combat violent rebels
“You’ve heard about a minerals agreement. we’ve reviewed Congo’s proposal,” Boulos remarked. “I am pleased to share that the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development.”
Boulos added that American companies involved would operate “transparently” and contribute to “stimulating local economies.”
Although the deal is not yet finalized, Sandra Babu-Boateng shared her insights on The BreakDown via PanaGenius TV. She emphasized key measures that Congolese officials must implement to secure favorable terms in negotiations. Babu-Boateng also raised concerns about the noticeable silence of the African Union and other African leaders, warning that the agreement could have continent-wide implications.
Watch the full episode of The BreakDown below—and subscribe to PanaGenius TV for in-depth discussions on Africa and the global Black community.
Congo holds the distinction of being the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a mineral essential for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and smartphones. In addition, the country boasts significant reserves of gold, diamonds, and copper.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also in negotiations with Ukraine on a similar minerals-based partnership. That deal was initially proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late 2024, aiming to reinforce U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s future amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Eastern Congo, long plagued by instability, remains home to over 100 armed groups competing for control of the mineral-rich border region near Rwanda. The resulting conflict has sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing more than 7 million people, including 100,000 this year alone.
Among the most powerful armed factions is the M23, which receives backing from neighboring Rwanda. Since January, the group has escalated its activities, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as several surrounding towns—raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
On Thursday, the M23 announced its withdrawal from Walikale, a vital mining town in eastern Congo that it had seized the previous month following intense clashes with Congolese forces and the allied Wazalendo militia, according to an Associated Press report.
M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka stated that the group had chosen to “reposition its forces” in accordance with a unilateral ceasefire it declared in February.
Willy Mishiki, a national deputy representing Walikale, claimed that the rebels were driven out by pressure from the Wazalendo militia. Local resident Faustin Kamala reported uncertainty about the rebels’ new location following their retreat.
Walikale is home to Congo’s largest tin deposits and several key gold mines. The Bisie tin mine, situated roughly 60 kilometers (35 miles) northwest of the town, produces the bulk of North Kivu province’s tin exports.
READ ALSO: How the DR Congo conflict threatens Rwanda’s multimillion-dollar tourism industry
