Congo Proposes Strategic Minerals Deal to Trump in Exchange for Military Support

Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, proposed a deal to President Trump, offering access to critical minerals in exchange for U.S. military assistance against rebel forces. This initiative aligns with ongoing discussions with Erik Prince regarding mining operations in Congo. The proposal underscores the administration’s focus on acquiring natural resources to boost U.S. technological advancement.

In a recent correspondence, Félix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has proposed a secret deal to President Trump. This proposal entails U.S. assistance in combating a rebel group in exchange for access to vast mineral resources from the Congo that are crucial for American technology firms.

On February 8, President Tshisekedi extended this offer to Trump, suggesting that it would permit U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund investments in Congo’s mining sector. The letter emphasized the potential for strategic American advantages through securing essential minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum from the region.

Tshisekedi requested a “formal security pact” that would bolster his army’s efforts against the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, which has recently captured significant territories in eastern Congo rich in minerals. However, specifics regarding the requested U.S. military support have not been disclosed by the Congolese government.

Additionally, this proposal occurs concurrently with Tshisekedi’s negotiations with Erik Prince, a notable ally of Donald Trump, for assistance in managing and securing mining operations and tax collections. Prince has a controversial history with private military contracting and seeks to stabilize the Congolese government’s revenue streams amid ongoing conflict.

The eastern region of Congo hosts numerous militias, and the current violence can be traced back to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. While Rwanda denies backing the M23 group, United Nations reports suggest otherwise, highlighting Rwanda’s strategic interest in Congolese minerals poised for extraction by these rebels.

President Tshisekedi aims to exploit Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, arguing that a partnership with Congo would enhance America’s competitive edge in critical technology sectors, including aerospace and automotive industries. Minerals sourced from the Congo are indispensable for major corporations like Apple and Tesla.

An intermediary, a banker advising Congolese mining interests, has facilitated the proposal’s delivery to the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department has simultaneously imposed sanctions on certain Rwandan officials due to their involvement in the escalating conflict in Congo.

Despite ongoing negotiations, it remains unclear if a formal agreement with Erik Prince has been established. His representatives are intensifying discussions in Kinshasa regarding strategies for securing mining revenues, particularly as the military situation worsens.

Under possible agreements, Prince’s involvement would include enhancing security measures around tax collection from mining entities, a necessary move given the declining mining revenues linked to heightened hostilities. Prince’s notoriety stems from his association with Blackwater, a company central to past military operations in Iraq.

Trump’s administration has prioritized access to natural resources in its foreign relations, with similar motives evident in dealings concerning Iraq, Venezuela, and other global interests tied to resource acquisition. The administration’s focus on obtaining natural resources exemplifies a broader strategy of augmenting American influence and securing vital materials for technological progression.

In summary, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has presented a strategic proposition to President Trump, offering access to valuable minerals in exchange for U.S. military support against the M23 rebel group. This proposal reflects ongoing negotiations with Erik Prince concerning mining operations, aiming to stabilize the Congolese government’s revenue amidst military challenges. The overarching aim of this partnership is to enhance America’s competitiveness in critical technological sectors, demonstrating the intersection of foreign policy and resource acquisition in Trump’s administration.

Original Source: www.livemint.com