At a United Nations gathering, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s foreign minister emphasized that growing American involvement in the country’s critical minerals sector is viewed as complementary rather than competitive, highlighting the need for multiple partners to unlock the nation’s natural wealth.
She noted that large nations develop through diverse partnerships that address distinct needs and bring varied expertise, rather than relying on a single collaborator.
The United States has pursued expanded access to Congo’s copper, cobalt, lithium, gold and other strategic resources while seeking to lessen dependence on supply chains dominated by other global powers.
A strategic partnership signed in December 2025 outlines increased economic cooperation, investment, and the establishment of secure, transparent critical‑mineral supply chains, alongside a regional framework linking economic integration to peace efforts with Rwanda.
A separate agreement between the state mining company Gécamines and commodities trader Mercuria could grant U.S. buyers priority access to copper and cobalt, with a U.S. development finance agency expressing interest in taking a strategic stake.
Wagner said relations with the United States are taking concrete shape based on mutual economic interests, and that heightened U.S. engagement could help translate mineral wealth into tangible improvements for Congolese citizens.
Speaking at a high‑level UN meeting, she warned that the global shift toward clean energy must not replicate a model where raw materials leave Africa while processing, technology and profits remain elsewhere.
She called for foreign partnerships that support local processing, infrastructure, technology transfer, research, industrialization and financing, rather than merely securing raw‑material supplies.
The mineral initiatives are closely tied to a U.S.-mediated peace process between the DRC and Rwanda, which began with a peace agreement in June 2025 and was reinforced with economic accords in December.
Although the agreement has not ended violence, the willingness to impose consequences for violations underscores its continued relevance; Wagner noted that a conflict spanning three decades cannot be resolved overnight.
She praised recent sanctions targeting the Rwanda Defense Force and senior Rwandan officials for alleged support of the M23 rebel group, describing the partner as resilient in the face of obstacles.
During the DRC’s Security Council presidency, the minister highlighted the connection between natural resources, armed conflict and a sharp rise in conflict‑related sexual violence in areas controlled by M23 and Rwandan forces.
Victims in occupied territories often lack access to courts, healthcare and other avenues for redress, emphasizing the need to restore state authority to provide justice and medical care.
Wagner cited the Rubaya mining area, now under M23 control, as a major source of global tantalum, with estimates indicating substantial coltan smuggling that generates significant revenue for the armed group.
Recent sanctions target a network accused of moving minerals from eastern Congo into Rwanda, aiming to support the peace framework and improve transparency in regional mineral supply chains.
