In a France 24 interview about ongoing negotiations over a mining deal between the U.S., the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda, Massad Boulos, advisor on African affairs to former U.S. President Donald Trump, sought to calm concerns among listeners.
When asked whether the agreement would grant the U.S. access to DRC’s minerals, Boulos responded cautiously:
“I would not use those words.”
Yet behind that measured phrasing lies a significant geo-economic shift in the making.
The proposed tripartite cooperation aims to secure access to essential minerals—cobalt, lithium, copper, and coltan—vital for modern technology and industrial applications.
The DRC holds over 60 % of the world’s cobalt reserves, making it pivotal to the deal. While Rwanda lacks vast mineral reserves, it provides secure infrastructure and favorable tariffs, essential for processing and exporting these resources.
According to Boulos, any American companies involved must adhere strictly to both Congolese and U.S. laws, especially regarding tax compliance, environmental protection, and banishing child labor.
“This is sustainable investment,” Boulos affirmed, stating that numerous U.S. firms are currently in talks with both DRC and Rwandan governments. He confirmed that these firms will invest in eastern DRC and in Rwanda, thereby fostering regional economic integration.
However, many Congolese analysts express serious concern—as reported by Actualité.cd—arguing that the agreement would allow the DRC to extract minerals while Rwanda captures the economic gains through refining.
This unease is amplified by Boulos’s statement: “The processing stage will occur in Rwanda,” which draws criticism given allegations of Rwandan ties to the M23 rebels controlling large parts of eastern DRC.
Although U.S. officials emphasize transparency, many remain skeptical. Boulos stated the deal will be signed at the White House, made public, and officially announced by heads of state.
