By A Correspondent

In a bold diplomatic move, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has proposed a deal to U.S. President Donald Trump, offering access to the DRC’s immense mineral resources—valued at an estimated $24 trillion—in exchange for U.S. military support to combat rebel forces, particularly the M23 group, which is alleged to have ties to Rwanda.

The DRC is home to critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum, all vital for the production of high-tech industries and essential for global supply chains. This proposal aligns with the U.S. push to reduce its reliance on China, which currently dominates the DRC’s cobalt sector.

While no formal agreement has been reached, discussions have already included a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a meeting between President Tshisekedi and Representative Ronny Jackson. The proposed deal underscores the broader geopolitical competition among global powers, as countries vie for control over the DRC’s strategic mineral resources, which are crucial for future technological advancements.