U.S. eyes DRC minerals in high-stakes engagement mission
The United States is aiming 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 do 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. It's about resources
The United States has expressed interest in reaching an agreement that would allow them access to natural resources from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), currently embroiled in armed conflict. This information was conveyed by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on Africa, who began his first official visit to the African continent on Thursday.
After the meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, Boulos did not disclose details of a potential deal but indicated that it could 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 said in a statement released after the meeting by the DRC government.
DRC resources entice the U.S. Trump's advisor visits Africa
Addressing security issues briefly, he noted: – We want a lasting peace that affirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
President Tshisekedi also spoke optimistically, telling Fox News he hopes the United States will be able to 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, recently held executive positions in several companies operating in Nigeria. He is personally connected to the American leader as the father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump.
From Kinshasa, Boulos will head to Rwanda on Friday, followed by visits to Kenya and Uganda.
Meanwhile, the eastern part of the DRC remains mired in conflict – the Congolese army is fighting rebels from the M23 group, which, according to Congolese authorities, receives support from Rwanda. This region is home to rich deposits of gold, tin, and cobalt – resources in which the DRC is among the world's largest producers. In recent months, M23 has taken control of the capitals of two provinces located on Lake Kivu and moved closer to areas deeper within the country.
