The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the latest battleground in a deepening strategic rivalry between the United States and China over control of critical minerals,as a new US-brokered peace deal with Rwanda raises both hope and concern.
Signed in June 2025,the agreement aims to end decades of conflict between the DRC and Rwanda,but also links regional peace to mineral access. In exchange for vague promises of US security support,the deal allows American companies expanded access to copper,cobalt,and lithium — vital for green energy and military technologies. The move marks a significant U.S. push to reduce dependence on China,which currently dominates the DRC’s mineral sector. Washington has backed bids for major assets like the Etoile and Mutoshi mines and secured a lithium exploration deal through KoBold Metals,a firm supported by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
China,seeking to protect its foothold,responded diplomatically,with its ambassador reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to non-interference and long-term support for Congo. Critics argue that the U.S. approach mirrors earlier “resources-for-security” deals pioneered by China and Russia,which often eroded African sovereignty and lacked transparency. “Minerals are being bartered for security,” two experts have warned in a recent opinion piece in Asia Times,pointing to the risks of elite capture,regulatory freezes,and long-term economic dependency. With abundant resources but fragile institutions,the DRC walks a precarious path — balancing global powers while striving to maintain control over its own future.
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