The Congo War Security Review discusses ongoing negotiations by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi for strategic mineral partnerships with the US and UAE in exchange for military assistance. Significant political developments include proposals for mining rights and infrastructure projects like Banana Port amid the conflict with M23. As global trends of resource-backed military agreements rise, the DRC seeks to leverage its mineral wealth.
The Congo War Security Review provides daily updates on activities associated with the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighting interactions between M23 forces, Rwandan support, and pro-Congolese government forces. Key developments in February include President Félix Tshisekedi dispatching stakeholders to the US and UAE to negotiate strategic partnerships in the mineral sector amid ongoing military challenges.
In various axes stretching across the DRC—like Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia and Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie—there were no significant changes reported as of March 5, 2025. However, notable political maneuvers were documented regarding Tshisekedi’s outreach to the US and UAE for military aid linked to mineral wealth.
Reports indicate that DRC is considering partnerships for the mining of copper and cobalt in the Katanga region, which is predominantly controlled by China. President Tshisekedi has proposed offering access to the nation’s mineral resources, which are critical for strategic militaries, to both the US and EU.
A letter from the Africa-USA Business Council recommended that US companies be granted rights to mine DRC minerals in exchange for military support, including developing infrastructure like the Banana Port. This proposal appears similar to deals made with other nations, reflecting a growing acceptance of resource-backed military agreements in international relations.
Recent transactions, such as the significant investments from UAE logistics firm DP World, underline the increasingly strategic nexus between military support and mineral extraction in the DRC. Tshisekedi’s diplomatic efforts may draw inspiration from contemporary global trends, specifically the US-Ukraine arrangement concerning mineral resources for security commitments.
In summary, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC is pursuing strategic mineral partnerships with the US and UAE, linking these negotiations to military support amidst the ongoing conflict with M23. Reports suggest an increasing trend of resource-based military arrangements that not only facilitate access to critical minerals but also aim at stabilizing the DRC’s governance amid foreign dominance in this sector. The evolving political landscape seems to mirror similar global situations, with implications for international security collaboration and resource management.
Original Source: www.criticalthreats.org
