Congo’s Proposal to Trump: Military Support for Mineral Access

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has offered President Trump a deal to defeat a rebel force in exchange for mining access to critical minerals for U.S. tech companies. This proposal highlights Trump’s focus on securing natural resources as part of his foreign policy initiatives.

Félix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has proposed a secret deal to President Trump: assist in combating a formidable rebel group in exchange for access to valuable minerals necessary for U.S. technology firms. In a letter dated February 8, Tshisekedi offered mineral mining opportunities to the newly formed U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund, which Trump had initiated shortly before.

Tshisekedi articulated in his letter that a partnership would grant the U.S. a strategic advantage by ensuring a supply of critical resources such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum directly from Congo. He requested a formal security pact from Trump to support his military against the M23 rebel group, which has recently gained territory, including vital mineral-rich areas.

The letter lacks specific details regarding the type of military support sought. However, a White House representative mentioned that they do not disclose particulars from private communications with the president. Concurrently, Tshisekedi is engaging in negotiations with Erik Prince, a Trump ally, on potential collaboration to bolster tax collection from mining operations.

Numerous militias are active in eastern Congo, and recent conflicts are remnants of the historical Rwandan genocide. Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels, yet it maintains that its focus is on securing its borders. The United Nations has reported evidence of military assistance provided by Rwanda to the rebels.

The proposal from Congo seeks to leverage Trump’s transactional foreign policy approach and capitalizes on the global demand for resources vital to American technology and automotive sectors. Key minerals, such as tantalum from coltan and cobalt, are crucial for companies like Apple and Tesla, reflecting their importance in today’s industries.

A spokeswoman for Tshisekedi confirmed the authenticity of the letter and mentioned that negotiations for U.S. access to these minerals are actively in progress. An informal intermediary forwarded the Congolese proposal to Trump’s office, which subsequently referred it to the National Security Council (NSC) for further consideration.

On the same day, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against certain individuals associated with the conflict, a plan that had been established prior to the public announcements. The Congolese government expressed its interest in a partnership with the Trump administration to end conflict and prevent exploitative practices.

Although Prince has not finalized his agreement with Congo, discussions about his involvement in securing mining revenues are ongoing. Under the anticipated arrangement, he would assist in combatting fiscal evasion among mining entities, thereby boosting government revenue amidst the backdrop of military challenges.

Erik Prince’s controversial history, including associations with the private military sector, raises questions about this proposal. In recent years, discussions around natural resources have dominated many of Trump’s foreign policy decisions, highlighting the administration’s strategic interest in securing American companies’ access to vital resources worldwide.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s proposal to the Trump administration presents an opportunity for both parties. Tshisekedi’s request for military support in exchange for mineral access reflects the ongoing dynamics of geopolitical interests in natural resources. The negotiations surrounding this proposition, particularly with Erik Prince, underscore the complexities and ramifications of resource-driven partnerships in contemporary international relations.

Original Source: www.livemint.com