Today, Martha, Les, Bishop, and Amy discuss the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s plea for a minerals-for-security deal with the United States, as the country faces mounting violence and instability. With $24 trillion worth of natural resources—including critical cobalt reserves—on the line, Rwandan-backed rebel groups have seized key mining hubs in eastern Congo, killing thousands, displacing millions, and igniting regional tensions.

What’s in it for Washington, and can the Trump administration craft a consistent, credible Africa strategy? As Rwanda and Uganda continue to exploit the chaos and U.S. tariffs hamper global engagement, will this become another case where talk outpaces action? And with American companies reluctant to invest in conflict zones, is the DRC poised to become another lost front in the race for critical minerals?

Check out these sources which helped shape our Fellows’ conversation: 

https://www.wsj.com/world/africa/while-war-rages-congos-neighbors-smuggle-out-its-gold-and-mineral-wealth-8582b882?mod=hp_lead_pos8

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/17/amid-conflict-why-does-the-drc-want-a-minerals-deal-with-trump 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp34140qkw0o 

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@amymitchell

@bishop

@lestermunson

@marthamillerdc

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