In a dramatic plea for help against rebel forces, Congo’s President has offered America access to tens of trillions of dollars worth of rare earth minerals in exchange for support protecting itself against Rwanda-backed rebels.
At a glance:
• DRC President Felix Tshisekedi offered mineral rights to the U.S. in exchange for military assistance against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group
• The letter dated February 8 was sent directly to President Donald Trump, praising his election as ushering in “the golden age for America”
• Congo controls vast deposits of cobalt, lithium, copper and tantalum – critical minerals essential for America’s technology and defense industries
• M23 rebels have captured key cities including Goma and Walikale, causing massive civilian displacement and mining shutdowns
• The White House has described the letter as “private correspondence” and refused to comment further on the proposed minerals-for-security deal
Congo’s Desperate Plea to Trump
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has made an extraordinary offer to the United States, proposing to exchange access to the country’s vast mineral wealth for military assistance against a growing rebellion. In a February 8 letter reviewed by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by his office, Tshisekedi directly appealed to President Donald Trump for a formal security partnership.
The Congolese President’s flattering letter praised Trump’s return to power, stating: “Your election has ushered in the golden age for America.” Tshisekedi emphasized the strategic value for America, noting their “partnership would provide the U.S. with a strategic advantage by securing critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper and tantalum from the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Tshisekedi’s administration is also reportedly negotiating with Erik Prince, the former CEO of the controversial private military company Blackwater. These talks suggest Congo may be seeking private security solutions alongside formal American military support to protect mining operations that have been threatened by the advancing rebels.
The Rwanda Connection and Advancing Rebels
The M23 rebel group, widely believed to be supported by neighboring Rwanda, has made significant territorial advances in eastern Congo in recent months. They captured the strategic mining hub of Walikale and have threatened the provincial capital of Goma, forcing mining operations to shut down and displacing countless civilians.
“The DRC is interested in partnering with the Trump administration to end the conflict and stop the flow of blood minerals via Rwanda,” Tshisekedi’s spokeswoman confirmed in a statement. This direct accusation against Rwanda highlights the complex regional dynamics at play, with Congo alleging that its neighbor is backing the rebels to gain access to mineral wealth.
Eastern Congo hosts over a hundred armed groups competing for control in a mineral-rich region that has suffered decades of conflict. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly as M23 advances, with rebel forces recently withdrawing from ceasefire talks and blaming EU sanctions and the Congolese government’s military actions for the breakdown in negotiations.
America’s Mineral Opportunity
The Democratic Republic of Congo holds approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and electronics. These vast mineral resources represent a strategic prize that has attracted interest from global powers including China, which currently dominates Congo’s mining sector.
The White House has described Tshisekedi’s letter as “private correspondence” and declined further comment on the proposed minerals-for-security deal. This cautious response comes as the Biden administration navigates complex geopolitical considerations, including relations with Rwanda and concerns about military entanglements.
Is a deal like this worth it, even if it means sending U.S. troops overseas?
