Angola has offered to mediate peace in the DRC, where President Tshisekedi seeks U.S. support by leveraging mineral wealth. The DRC’s conflict involves the M23 rebel group, and Tshisekedi’s offer includes favorable mining access for U.S. companies in exchange for military assistance to secure vital supply routes.
On Tuesday, Angola extended an offer to mediate a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, which has support from Rwanda. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi visited Angola to engage in discussions concerning a possible peace process, indicating that direct negotiations could commence shortly, a step previously resisted.
The DRC is currently facing one of the gravest humanitarian crises globally, due to conflict involving nearly 100 armed groups, including M23. This violence has led to the displacement of over seven million individuals. The M23 rebel group recently captured the country’s two largest cities in a rapid offensive and is progressing towards Kinshasa. President Tshisekedi aims to leverage the DRC’s vast natural resources to garner support from the United States.
The DRC is rich in untapped mineral resources, estimated at $24 trillion, including substantial reserves of cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and uranium, which are essential for various technologies. Cobalt, in particular, is vital for defense, aerospace, and electric vehicle batteries, with a significant portion currently supplied to China. This mineral wealth positions the DRC uniquely on the global stage.
To bolster its security, the DRC proposed a deal wherein U.S. companies would have advantageous mining rights in exchange for military support for Congolese forces and the establishment of military bases to safeguard supply lines. The White House has expressed a willingness to consider this offer, although U.S. companies may find the business environment too perilous without a ceasefire in place.
The DRC is exploring a multifaceted approach that intertwines its mineral wealth with a potential peace process. With Angola’s mediation and potential U.S. support, the situation could shift towards stability. However, lasting peace remains contingent on resolving the ongoing violence and establishing secure conditions for foreign investment in the region.
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