DR Congo Emphasizes Multilateral Cooperation in Critical Minerals Initiative

UNITED NATIONS — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s foreign minister stressed the nation’s desire for diverse partnerships in its critical-minerals sector, dismissing framing as a competition with China.

CHINA’S GRIP ON RARE-EARTH MAGNETS COULD CRUSH US DRONE INDUSTRY BEFORE IT GROWS

U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance meet Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe (not pictured) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington D.C., June 27, 2025. (Ken Cedeno/Reuters)

Kayikwamba Wagner highlighted U.S.-DR Congo efforts to develop secure supply chains through a strategic agreement signed in December 2025, which also aims to address regional conflicts.

The partnership focuses on economic collaboration, investment, and transparent mineral supply chains amid growing U.S. interest in Congo’s copper, cobalt, and lithium reserves.

Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized the need for foreign engagement to support local processing, infrastructure, and technology transfers rather than merely securing raw materials.

At a U.N. meeting on critical minerals, she warned against replicating exploitative reward structures where African resources benefit distant processors and corporations.

She noted that while the U.S.-DRC agreement represents progress, violence in eastern Congo—particularly in mining regions controlled by rebels—remains a challenge.

The DRC has secured sanctions against Rwandan security forces accused of aiding M23 rebels, who control key mining areas and profit from smuggled minerals.

Kayikwamba Wagner called for sustained multilateral efforts to ensure the peace process translates into economic stability and justice for communities affected by conflict-related violence.

Source link