The U.S. is negotiating with the DRC for a rare earth elements deal that would involve military aid in exchange for access to vital minerals, following unsuccessful talks with Ukraine.
The United States is reportedly involved in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) concerning a potential arrangement regarding rare earth elements. This initiative represents the Trump administration’s continued efforts to secure access to essential resources globally, especially after previous negotiations with Ukraine yielded minimal outcomes.
A report from the Financial Times indicates that the proposed agreement would enable the U.S. to access critical minerals while providing military assistance to the DRC. However, sources suggest that these negotiations are at an early stage and face various challenges.
The ongoing situation in eastern DRC has been complicated by the presence of Rwandan-backed rebels who have seized considerable territory, disrupting the extraction of resources within this mineral-rich region. DRC’s government spokesperson, Tina Salama, urged American companies to source minerals directly from DRC rather than through intermediaries in Rwanda.
The strength of the conflict has prompted Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi of Congo to advocate for a strategic partnership with the U.S. in light of the nation’s substantial mineral wealth, estimated at over $24 trillion. Kalambayi, who leads the Senate’s Committee on Defense, Security, and Border Protection, emphasized the need for increased military cooperation, which would include training and equipping Congolese forces.
Recently, an expected agreement for Ukraine to transfer natural resource revenues to the United States faced abrupt failure during a tense Oval Office meeting. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed dissatisfaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s gratitude toward American support, which complicates U.S. relations in the region further.
In summary, the United States is exploring a potential deal with the DRC concerning rare earth minerals in exchange for military assistance. This initiative follows failed negotiations with Ukraine and highlights the complexities of regional conflicts impacting resource access. Senator Kalambayi’s advocacy for U.S. support underscores the DRC’s vast untapped mineral wealth and the need for stronger military collaboration.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
