War-torn nation invokes Trump’s ‘golden age’ in plea for minerals deal in exchange for booting violent rebels

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently reached out to President Donald Trump with a proposal that could potentially benefit both nations. In a letter sent in February, Tshisekedi offered a minerals deal in exchange for a security agreement that would help remove violent rebels from his war-torn nation. The deal, if accepted, would provide the U.S. with access to critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum from the Congo, which is estimated to have over $20 trillion worth of minerals available.

Congo is known to be the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a mineral that is essential for defense and aerospace applications, as well as a key component in the batteries of electric vehicles and cellphones. President Tshisekedi is seeking to establish a formal security pact that would enable Congo’s army to defeat the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 in exchange for the minerals deal. The specifics of the potential security pact were not disclosed in the letter.

A spokesperson for Tshisekedi stated that Congo is interested in partnering with the Trump administration to end the conflict and prevent the flow of “blood minerals” through Rwanda. The goal is to have American companies like Apple and Tesla purchase minerals directly from the source in the DRC, unlocking the country’s mineral wealth for the benefit of all.

The ongoing conflict in the Congo, fueled by disputes over access to resources like minerals, has resulted in widespread violence and instability. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized control of major cities like Goma, leading to clashes with government forces and international peacekeepers.

President Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of creating jobs in Congo through mineral extraction while building a lasting partnership with the U.S. to ensure peace and stability in the region. While China currently has a significant presence in Congo, Tshisekedi expressed his desire to have American companies involved in the nation’s mineral sector.

In addition to the proposed minerals deal, Tshisekedi is reportedly in talks with Erik Prince, the founder of a private military firm, to potentially assist the Congolese government in addressing the ongoing conflict. The offer to Trump comes after the Trump administration’s efforts to strike a minerals deal with Ukraine, which ultimately faced challenges following a tense meeting between President Zelenskyy and U.S. officials.

As discussions continue between the two nations, the outcome of the proposed deal remains uncertain. However, the potential partnership between the U.S. and the Congo could have far-reaching implications for both countries and the region as a whole.