Congo Proposes Strategic Natural Resource Deal with Trump Administration

In a confidential letter to President Trump, DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi offered U.S. access to minerals in exchange for military assistance against the M23 rebel group. The proposal highlights a strategic partnership aimed at benefiting both nations amidst ongoing conflicts and interests in natural resources.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, proposed a secret agreement to President Trump, offering access to valuable minerals in exchange for U.S. assistance in defeating the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda. In a letter dated February 8, Tshisekedi emphasized that this partnership would provide the U.S. with essential minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper, enhancing American technological capabilities.

Tshisekedi requested a formal security pact to bolster the Congolese army against M23, which has recently defeated military forces and taken over strategic cities. While the letter did not detail the nature of U.S. military support, it highlights an ongoing dialogue with Trump’s administration. A White House official noted that the correspondence did not provide further specifics.

The Congolese leader is concurrently negotiating with Erik Prince, a known Trump associate, to assist the government in tax collection from mining operations. This proposal seeks to capitalize on Trump’s transactional foreign policy approach amid a global competition for vital resources necessary for tech and automotive industries.

Critical minerals such as tantalite and cobalt are vital for global production of smartphones and electric vehicles, with leading companies like Apple and Tesla significantly reliant on these resources. A spokesperson for Tshisekedi confirmed the authenticity of his letter, stating ongoing discussions to facilitate American investment in Congo’s mineral wealth.

An intermediary alerted Trump’s office to the proposal, which was then forwarded to the National Security Council for evaluation. The nature of U.S. involvement emerged just as the Treasury Department enacted sanctions against Rwandan officials linked to the conflict. Tshisekedi’s spokeswoman asserted that a partnership could help end the conflict and address the illicit mineral trade.

Though negotiations with Erik Prince have not concluded, discussions are progressing regarding his potential role in securing mining revenues. The Congolese government aims to enhance revenue amidst ongoing military challenges posed by M23, with Prince expected to support tax collection efforts through security provision.

Prince, a controversial figure due to his history with Blackwater, is associated with various military and security projects, both in the Middle East and potentially in Africa. Since his inauguration, Trump has prioritized resource access, shaping foreign policy that favors U.S. companies in regions rich in natural resources.

Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to President Trump signals a strategic bid for U.S. military assistance in exchange for mineral access crucial to the American tech industry. The ongoing negotiations highlight both the Congolese government’s needs for security and revenue amidst regional instability and Trump’s focus on resource acquisition as a key element of U.S. foreign policy. This partnership could reshape the dynamics surrounding global natural resource access and geopolitical alliances in Africa.

Original Source: www.livemint.com