U.S. eyes lucrative DRC mineral deal amid regional unrest
The United States is seeking to secure a deal for mineral procurement from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Multi-billion-dollar investments are at stake, which could significantly impact the region.
What you need to know
- The United States wants to procure minerals from the DRC – Negotiations are being led by Massad Boulos, the U.S. Presidential Advisor on Africa.
- Meeting with the President of the DRC – Boulos met with Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa to discuss potential investments.
- Situation in the DRC – The country is struggling with M23 rebels, affecting regional stability.
Trump sends an emissary to Congo for resources
The United States has expressed interest in negotiating an agreement that would grant access to natural resources from the DRC, a country currently affected by armed conflict. This announcement was made by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on Africa, during his first official visit to the continent on Thursday.
After meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, Boulos did not reveal details of a possible deal but noted that it might involve multi-billion-dollar investments.
–"I look forward to working with President Félix Tshisekedi and his team to build a deeper relationship that benefits the Congolese and American people, and to stimulate American private sector investment in the DRC, particularly in the mining sector, with the shared goal of contributing to the prosperity of both our countries – Boulos stated in a release by the DRC government.
DRC resources attract U.S. attention as Trump's advisor visits Africa
Addressing security concerns briefly, he remarked: – We want a lasting peace that affirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
President Tshisekedi also spoke optimistically, expressing to Fox News his hope that the United States could use diplomatic pressure or sanctions to limit the actions of armed rebel groups.
Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and newly appointed advisor to President Trump, has held executive positions in several companies operating in Nigeria. He is personally connected to the American leader as the father-in-law of Trump's daughter Tiffany Trump.
From Kinshasa, Boulos will head to Rwanda on Friday, followed by visits to Kenya and Uganda.
Meanwhile, the eastern region of the DRC remains entangled in conflict, with the Congolese army fighting rebels from the M23 group, which according to Congolese authorities, is supported by Rwanda. This region holds rich deposits of gold, tin, and cobalt, a resource of which the DRC is the world's largest producer. In recent months, M23 has taken control of the capitals of two provinces located on Lake Kivu and has advanced closer to areas deeper within the country.
