US to Invest Billions in Mineral-Rich Congo

The United States is in talks to invest billions of dollars in mineral-rich Congo and is committed to helping resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, often referred to as Congo, is one of the world’s most resource-rich countries. It’s home to vast reserves of minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium—essential components in the production of mobile phones, electric vehicles, and other high-tech devices.

President Donald Trump‘s senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, announced US intentions during a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, April 4. After a meeting with the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, Massad Boulos said, “You have heard about a minerals agreement. We have reviewed the Congo’s proposal, and the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development.”

However, how the US intends to operate in Congo is unclear; Massad Boulos highlighted that US companies will be involved. He said, “Rest assured, American companies are operating transparently and will stimulate local economies. These are multi-billion-dollar investments.”

Boulos added the US is also committed to helping resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. This region has been plagued by violence, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced due to the advance of the M23 rebel group.

The conflict has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who have fled their homes this year.