Donald Trump has been offered a security-for-minerals deal by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), granting the US access to vital resources needed for its tech industry in exchange for support against M23 rebels.
President Félix Tshisekedi proposed that under a “formal security pact,” the US could secure supplies of cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum while aiding efforts to counter the Rwanda-backed militia.
In an interview with Fox News, he outlined how the arrangement would allow the DRC to refine its mineral wealth for US industries while strengthening its military defences.
On Thursday, reports surfaced that the rebels had taken control of Walikale, an important mining area with gold deposits and the world’s third-largest source of cassiterite, a key tin ore component.
Observers see the proposal as an attempt to align with Mr Trump’s preference for deal-based diplomacy that prioritises American economic interests.
Mr Tshisekedi said: “I think that the US is able to use either pressure or sanctions to make sure that armed groups who are in the DRC can be kept at bay.”
M23 insurgents have expanded their hold over eastern DRC, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu in recent months.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been negotiating with Washington to leverage Ukraine’s mineral deposits as a means of securing US military assistance in potential ceasefire talks with Russia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed that he had also discussed economic cooperation with Kazakhstan’s foreign minister, Murat Nurtleu, focusing on energy, telecommunications, and critical minerals.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr Tshisekedi sent a letter to Mr Trump last month, suggesting new mining projects for the recently established US sovereign wealth fund.
The letter stated: “Your election has ushered in the golden age for America.
Our partnership would provide the US with a strategic advantage by securing critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum from the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
These resources are essential for producing batteries and components used in modern devices like smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles, intensifying global competition between the US and China over supply chains.
Since returning to office two months ago, Mr Trump has placed resource security at the heart of his foreign policy strategy.
Beyond discussions on minerals with Ukraine, the US has been negotiating with Iraq to restart American oil exports, which were halted due to a dispute between Baghdad, Kurdish authorities, and Turkey.
Greenland, a Danish territory, has also drawn interest from Mr Trump due to its vast reserves of rare-earth minerals.
The letter did not specify the type of military assistance the DRC was seeking from Washington.
M23 forces have driven Congolese troops from large areas of North and South Kivu provinces, with civilians reporting that soldiers have frequently retreated without resistance.
To fortify defences around Goma, the DRC enlisted Romanian mercenaries, but they failed to stop the city from falling. Those captured were later handed over to Rwanda.
Mr Tshisekedi is also reportedly in discussions with Erik Prince, a businessman linked to Mr Trump and the founder of Blackwater, over taxation on mining revenues.
Talks suggest that Mr Prince could assist the DRC in curbing tax evasion within the mining sector, possibly by providing security for government tax collection efforts.
