The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), experiencing a civil war, is negotiating with the U.S. for military support in exchange for mineral resources.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on the 8th that the U.S. and the DRC are engaged in negotiations reminiscent of the Ukraine mineral agreement.

Last month, the DRC sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that it would grant mining rights to U.S. companies for mine development and cooperate for strategic mineral stockpiling. The condition is to receive military equipment support and training from the U.S.

The eastern region of the DRC, currently in civil war, is rich in rare mineral resources such as cobalt, gold, and tantalum (Ta), attracting the attention of rebel groups. In particular, the M23 rebel group, suspected of receiving support from Rwanda, captured Goma in a large-scale offensive at the end of January and took Bukavu in mid-February. The rebels are currently advancing towards Uvira, and if this area falls, it is highly likely that most of the eastern border regions, including Tanganyika Province, will fall into the hands of the rebels.

The U.S. is showing interest in the DRC's proposal. The Trump administration previously pushed for a mineral agreement in exchange for military support to Ukraine and has a high interest in mineral resources. Notably, cobalt accounts for over 80% of global production from the Congo, making it a key material for electric vehicles and mobile phone batteries. Additionally, tantalum is used in electronic circuit components for various electronic devices and military equipment.

Originally, an American mining company called Freeport-McMoRan entered this region but sold its mines to China due to management difficulties. Currently, most large mines are operated by Chinese companies. The U.S. State Department stated that the DRC possesses key minerals needed for advanced technology and expressed willingness to cooperate in areas that align with the 'America First' policy.

The Congo (formerly the Congo Free State) experienced the Congo Civil War from 1998 to 2003, considered one of the most brutal conflicts in African history. This war resulted in approximately 5 million deaths and involved a complex conflict with various countries and armed groups in the region.​

Main causes and developments of the Congo Civil War:

1. Historical background: The legacy of Belgian colonialism led to ongoing political instability and economic exploitation even after independence.​

2. Second Congo War: The war began in 1998 when rebels supported by Rwanda and Uganda launched a rebellion to oust President Laurent-Désiré Kabila.​

3. International intervention: Neighboring countries and various armed groups intervened, giving the conflict an international character.​

4. Peace agreements and outcomes: A peace agreement was signed in 2003, officially ending the war, but armed groups continue to operate in eastern Congo.​