Resistance is mounting in the Democratic Republic of Congo over a proposed minerals arrangement with the United States, following President Felix Tshisekedi’s return from a high-level minerals summit in Washington where he received public backing from U.S. President Donald Trump and several American lawmakers.
The Congolese leader has put forward a proposal to grant American companies access to eastern Congo’s largely undeveloped mineral reserves, estimated at $24 trillion. The offer is intended to secure U.S. support for security operations against rebel groups and to attract investment for infrastructure projects in a region destabilized by Rwanda-backed insurgents who captured key cities last year.
The proposed arrangement aligns with the Trump administration’s push to establish a minerals trading alliance among partner nations. Washington views the effort as a strategic move to reduce global reliance on China, which dominates the critical minerals supply chain. China currently produces nearly 70% of the world’s rare earth minerals and manages about 90% of the global processing capacity. Chinese firms also maintain a dominant presence in Congo’s mining industry.
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During the Feb. 4 Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington D.C., Tshisekedi headed a Congolese delegation that engaged senior officials within the Trump administration and members of Congress. The meetings built upon a strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries in December.
“We are open for business and we are serious about doing business the right way,” Tshisekedi told members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during a meeting last week.
According to the U.S. State Department, discussions with Congolese officials included reviewing a portfolio of strategic mineral assets identified by Congo. The review is expected to guide investment decisions for U.S. firms exploring opportunities in the country.
The partnership has been presented as mutually beneficial. The United States would secure steady access to vital minerals such as cobalt, copper, lithium and coltan, while Congo would receive American backing to develop major infrastructure projects.
Despite these promises, skepticism remains widespread inside Congo. Analysts and local communities argue there is little evidence that expanded U.S. involvement in the mining sector will resolve the country’s most pressing concern, which is long-term peace and stability, especially in the eastern provinces where M23 rebels supported by Rwanda seized territory roughly a year ago.
Rebel forces currently hold control over several mineral-rich areas, including the Rubaya coltan mine. The site produces approximately 15% of the world’s coltan supply and recently witnessed a deadly collapse that killed at least 200 miners.
Security challenges and governance concerns have historically discouraged American companies from entering Congo’s mining market, leaving Chinese corporations to fill the gap.
“The battle between China and the United States for access to and control of strategic minerals will intensify concretely on Congolese soil,” said Josaphat Musamba, doctoral researcher studying conflict and development at Belgium’s Ghent University.
In the capital, Kinshasa, the proposed mineral cooperation has triggered backlash from public commentators and civil society organizations. Critics accuse the government of undervaluing the nation’s natural resources.
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A coalition of Congolese lawyers and human rights advocates has taken legal action, arguing that the partnership undermines national sovereignty.
“We are assuming our responsibility as Congolese citizens to protect the sovereignty of our country and preserve our heritage for future generations,” said Jean-Marie Kalonji, one of the lawyers.
Political opponents have also voiced concerns. Opposition leader Moïse Katumbi questioned how any major investment could succeed amid ongoing insecurity in eastern mining zones. He has urged the government to convene a national dialogue to shape a unified strategy for engaging foreign investors.
Religious leaders have joined the criticism. Archbishop Fulgence Muteba, president of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, compared the agreement to “selling off the minerals of an entire nation to save a regime or a political system.”
“This clearly amounts to sacrificing the development of the population and confiscating the happiness of future generations,” the Catholic bishop said in December.
Residents living under rebel control remain doubtful that the arrangement will deliver peace.
“We think this agreement will generate more conflict instead of actually providing solutions because the actors are not sincere,” said Christopher Muyisa, a youth activist.
Analysts suggest the Congolese government may gain diplomatic leverage from Washington through the negotiations, even if tangible benefits remain uncertain.
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“The immediate gain for Tshisekedi and his government is primarily political: strategic recognition from Washington,” said Yvon Muya, a research associate at Canada’s University of Ottawa in an AP report.
