The United States is in preliminary talks with the DRC for a rare earth elements deal, which would exchange access to minerals for military support. This effort follows failed negotiations with Ukraine and underscores the DRC’s significant mineral wealth amidst regional conflicts involving rebel forces.
The United States is reportedly in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) concerning a potential arrangement regarding rare earth elements. This initiative represents a continued effort by the Trump administration to secure vital overseas resources, particularly following unsuccessful negotiations with Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, the agreement would permit the US to access crucial minerals in exchange for military and security assistance to the DRC.
Reports indicate that discussions between Washington and Kinshasa are becoming more active; however, they remain in the early stages and face various obstacles. The United Nations has reported that Rwandan-backed rebels have captured extensive territories in eastern DRC, plundering resources from a region rich in minerals.
Furthermore, Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, has publicly invited the United States to purchase strategic raw materials directly from the DRC instead of sourcing them from Rwanda, underscoring the nation’s rightful ownership of these resources. The eastern DRC contains vast amounts of untapped minerals, including cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and uranium, which the rebels aim to exploit further.
In support of this partnership, DRC Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi has communicated with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging collaboration with Kinshasa. He asserted that the US is in a prime position to develop a lasting partnership with the DRC, which boasts over $24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves. In exchange for access to these resources, DRC expects increased cooperation from the US military, including training and provision of weapons and equipment for Congolese forces.
Last month, negotiations with Ukraine regarding a resource revenue deal abruptly collapsed following a tense meeting in the Oval Office. During this meeting, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for failing to express sufficient gratitude for US support and pressured him to reach a peace agreement with Russia, leading to the cancellation of the anticipated agreement.
In summary, the United States is exploring a potential deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo for access to rare earth elements in exchange for military assistance. The discussions are reportedly advancing, although significant challenges remain. The DRC emphasizes its rich mineral resources as a valuable asset for strategic partnerships, particularly with the US, amidst ongoing regional instability and conflict.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
