On March 20, local time, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said in an exclusive interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Wednesday that the country is willing to establish a strategic partnership of "minerals for security" with the United States. Under the framework of the cooperation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will develop and process key minerals such as cobalt, lithium and uranium in its territory for the supply of US companies, while exchanging the US for enhanced support for its national defense and security system.
"The United States is fully capable of ensuring, through pressure or sanctions, that armed groups entrenched in our territory do not pose a substantial threat." Tshisekedi spoke to host Brett Baier on "Special Report." In particular, he stressed that such cooperation can not only meet the needs of the new energy industry in the United States for strategic minerals, but also systematically improve the autonomous defense capabilities of African countries. As the world's largest cobalt producer and an important lithium and uranium resource country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing serious security challenges. Since the beginning of this year, the Rwandan-backed "M23" rebels have continued to expand their influence on the eastern border and have effectively taken control of a number of key mining towns. According to the UN report, the group funds itself through the illegal mineral trade, contributing to the worsening situation in the region. Analysts pointed out that the proposal marks the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in addition to the traditional reliance on Chinese mineral investment model, is seeking to build a diversified network of international cooperation. If the United States accepts the agreement, it may accelerate the restructuring of the key mineral supply chain through mechanisms such as the Defense Production Act, while deepening its influence in African security affairs.
