DRC Pursues Minerals Deal with the US Amid Escalating Conflict

The DRC seeks a minerals-for-security deal with the US amid conflicts with the M23 rebel group, aiming for military support in exchange for access to its rich mineral resources. The ongoing violence has resulted in considerable fatalities and displacements, prompting Congolese officials to pursue this engagement to stabilize the situation and attract foreign investment.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is actively engaging with the United States to establish a minerals-for-security agreement amidst escalating violence from the rebel M23 group. This initiative emerges as DRC officials report daily communications with the US government, seeking military support in exchange for mineral rights, particularly in gold and coltan-rich regions. Since January, the conflict has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities and widespread displacement.

The DRC’s efforts to secure a minerals deal with the US center on a desire for enhanced military support to combat armed groups and leverage its vast mineral wealth. While congressional proposals and talks suggest a willingness for collaboration, the success of such agreements remains uncertain, particularly regarding troop deployment and the potential balance of power amidst China’s existing dominance in the region’s mineral sector.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com