US-DR Congo relations on track despite midterms defeat
DR Congo’s communications minister tells Semafor there was strong cross-party backing for recent agreements.
Despite the US midterms defeat, the strategic partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo appears unscathed, according to the country's communications minister, Patrick Muyaya. Muyaya stated that there is strong support from both parties for recent agreements that grant the US government and companies access to crucial minerals, with a focus on stabilizing the conflict-ridden eastern region of Congo.
The Central African nation has emerged as a critical player in the US effort to secure minerals necessary for artificial intelligence technology. Muyaya pointed out that the Democrats' backing of these deals demonstrated the US's "leadership and political will" to carry out its agreements.
Recent bilateral talks between Congolese and American officials in Paris centered on reviewing the progress of key projects, including the Lobito Corridor, the Grand Inga hydropower project, and investments in critical minerals. Muyaya informed Semafor of Congo's intention to present a list of mineral assets to US government officials, as outlined in a strategic partnership agreed upon in December.
Under this agreement, American buyers would receive preferential access, with Congo accounting for roughly 70% of the world's cobalt supply – a vital component of the global battery industry – and being Africa's leading copper producer.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
