Friday, March 21, 2025
The Editorial Staff
Congo Trump Minerals Deals Explained
President Felix Tshisekedi
Introduction
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rich in minerals like cobalt, coltan, lithium, and copper and all needed to make smartphones, electric cars, and other high-tech products. These minerals are very valuable around the world. Recently, Congo has been trying to make a special deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. In this report, we explain what this deal is about, why it matters, and who is involved.
What Is the Congo-Trump Minerals Deal?
President Félix Tshisekedi of Congo offered Trump a "minerals-for-security" deal. This means the U.S. would get access to Congo’s minerals, and in return, the U.S. would help Congo with military support. The goal is to fight rebel groups like M23, which are causing violence and taking over mining areas.
Tshisekedi said the deal would help Congo improve its mining industry and also make it easier for U.S. tech companies to get minerals from Africa instead of relying on China.
Why Is Trump Interested?
Trump has shown strong interest in gaining access to important resources. He previously tried to make mineral deals with Ukraine and even showed interest in Greenland because of its rare minerals.
Trump’s policy is often described as “America First.” This means he wants deals that give the U.S. strong advantages.
Trump’s team has said they are open to deals with Congo if it benefits U.S. companies and strengthens U.S. national security.
What Minerals Are Involved and Why Are They Important?
Congo has huge reserves of:
Cobalt – used in electric car batteries
Coltan (tantalum) – used in smartphones and other electronics
Copper and lithium – important for energy and tech industries
These minerals are in high demand globally, especially by the U.S. and China. China already controls about 80% of cobalt extraction in Congo, and the U.S. is trying to catch up.
Why Is Congo Making This Deal Now?
Congo is facing a serious war in its eastern provinces. Rebel group M23 has captured cities like Goma and Bukavu, both located in mineral-rich regions. Thousands of people have died, and many have become refugees.
The Congolese army is weak and poorly funded. Soldiers earn very little and often don't have proper training or equipment. Congo hopes that by partnering with Trump and the U.S., they will get:
Better weapons
Military training
Possibly even U.S. troops or private military companies
Is Trump Interested in the Deal?
Reports say that Trump is interested in doing deals for rare minerals. He had tried something similar with Ukraine before. Now that talks with Ukraine have stalled, he is looking at Congo.
Trump may appoint Massad Boulos (his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law) as a peace envoy to Congo, showing a possible serious interest.
Congo even suggested that U.S. defense and tech companies could help manage mineral exports and build a joint stockpile of the mined resources.
What About the Rebels and Rwanda’s Role?
M23 is believed to have support from Rwanda, even though Rwanda denies it. Experts from the U.S. and the UN say Rwanda is secretly helping the rebels. This makes things even more complex.
There are also accusations that Rwanda is helping to smuggle Congo’s minerals into international markets, including selling to Europe.
How Would the U.S. Benefit from This Deal?
China is already very active in Congo. Chinese companies control around 80% of cobalt extraction in the country. China has spent billions of dollars building roads and mines in Africa, including the DRC.
This makes the U.S. worried. If China controls all the minerals, the U.S. could fall behind in the tech race.
That’s why the U.S. wants to enter the game and compete with China. Congo sees this as a chance to get help while reducing Chinese influence.
If the U.S. agrees to Congo’s offer:
It would gain direct access to rare and important minerals.
It could reduce China’s control in Africa.
It would boost American tech and defense industries.
It might help build political influence in Central Africa.
However, the U.S. may not want to directly operate mines. Instead, it could buy the minerals from the Congo government and let Congolese firms (or private companies like Blackwater) handle security.
What’s the Risk and What Comes Next?
This deal could be risky:
It may not stop the war quickly.
Rebels like M23 could keep control of some mines.
Corruption in the Congolese army is a big problem.
U.S. involvement might lead to more tension with China
Still, Congo has said it's ready to work with the U.S. and even build transport links like the Lobito Corridor to export minerals more easily through Angola.
No final deal has been signed yet, but the talks are ongoing.
Conclusion
The Congo-Trump minerals deal is more than just business and it’s about war, politics, and who controls Africa’s future. Congo wants U.S. military support to fight rebels, and in return, it's offering access to some of the most valuable minerals in the world. As this story develops, it could change the balance of power between the U.S., China, and African nations.
