The United States is actively engaging in high-level talks to invest billions of dollars in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) critical minerals sector, while also expressing a firm interest in helping to end the violent conflict destabilizing the country’s eastern region. This development was confirmed on Thursday by Massad Boulos, senior adviser to former President Donald Trump, during a diplomatic visit to Kinshasa.
Strategic Talks on Minerals and Security
Boulos met with President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss a wide-ranging proposal from the Congolese government that aims to link mineral cooperation with broader security commitments. The proposal was initiated after a Congolese senator reached out to U.S. officials to explore a potential minerals-for-security framework. Though the details of the agreement remain confidential, Boulos indicated that both sides have agreed on a course of action to move the plan forward.
“We have reviewed Congo’s proposal, and after extensive discussions, the president and I have agreed on a way forward,” Boulos stated during a press briefing. “This will involve significant American investment and strategic engagement.”
Tapping into Congo’s Vast Mineral Wealth
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, lithium, and uranium—minerals vital to the global transition toward green energy and digital technologies. These resources are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, smartphones, and various military and industrial applications. Despite their value, the sector is heavily dominated by Chinese firms, raising concerns in Washington about supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical influence.
Boulos emphasized that the U.S. intends to shift the status quo by involving American companies that operate transparently and prioritize local development. “These are not short-term investments,” he said. “They are long-term, multi-billion-dollar projects that will stimulate job creation and economic growth in Congolese communities.”
Conflict in the East Remains a Major Concern
The adviser also made clear that Washington sees peace and stability in eastern Congo as a prerequisite for any meaningful economic cooperation. The region has been gripped by escalating violence, with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels taking control of large areas and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. The humanitarian crisis has deepened, with widespread killings and destruction reported.
Congo Looks to Strengthen Business Environment
Congolese parliamentarian Joseph Bangakya, who chairs the Congo-U.S. parliamentary friendship group, said lawmakers are drafting a bill aimed at improving the country’s investment environment to attract more American businesses. He underscored the strategic importance of reaching a comprehensive trade and security agreement with the U.S.
“Our goal is to secure a partnership that benefits both sides,” Bangakya said. “The United States can support not only our economic ambitions but also help restore peace in the east, where too many lives have been lost and entire communities uprooted.”
Lasting Peace Tied to Economic Progress
He stressed that national sovereignty and stability must be central to any engagement. “There can be no sustainable development without peace,” he added. “Upholding the territorial integrity of the DRC is essential—not just for us, but for the broader region.”
As discussions continue, the U.S. appears poised to deepen its role in both Congo’s economic transformation and its long-running efforts to secure lasting peace.