add content heThe U.S. is open to critical minerals partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the State Department confirmed Sunday.
This follows a Congolese senator’s proposal for a minerals-for-security deal.
The DRC, rich in cobalt, lithium, and uranium, faces ongoing conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Talks of a U.S. deal have circulated in Kinshasa, though no formal proposal has been made.
A State Department spokesperson said Washington is willing to discuss partnerships aligned with the Trump Administration’s “America First Agenda.”
The U.S. aims to promote responsible private sector investment in the DRC’s mining industry.
“There is a desire for us to diversify our partners,” said Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, adding that U.S. investors are welcome.
Andre Wameso, deputy chief of staff to President Felix Tshisekedi, recently visited Washington for talks.
Meanwhile, a lobbyist representing Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi reached out to U.S. officials, though Congolese authorities say this was not a government-backed initiative.
A planned meeting between a Congolese delegation and the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 6 was canceled at the last minute.
Despite this, discussions on economic cooperation continue.re
