On March 5, 2025, the Congo War Security Review highlighted President Félix Tshisekedi’s diplomatic outreach to secure strategic mineral partnerships with the US and UAE for military assistance amid ongoing conflict. No significant developments were reported across conflict axes, while proposals for mineral extraction and infrastructure development are noted as potential avenues for future support.
The Congo War Security Review, dated March 5, 2025, provides insight into the ongoing military conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between the M23 militia and pro-Congolese government forces. The report emphasizes efforts by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who has engaged in diplomatic initiatives, particularly with the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to establish strategic mineral partnerships for military support.
Recent developments indicate that President Tshisekedi has sent officials from his administration alongside mining industry leaders to negotiate mineral partnership agreements in exchange for military assistance. This was reported by Africa Intelligence and highlights the DRC’s strategic focus on leveraging its mineral wealth for enhanced security cooperation.
The DRC has made proposals related to mineral extraction, emphasizing copper and cobalt resources in the Lualaba province, currently under Chinese dominance. Electrochemical engagement with US and EU entities regarding a potential stake in DRC’s mineral wealth reflects ambitious attempts to secure military support amidst the ongoing conflict.
A proposal endorsed by a senior DRC official has been presented to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which includes mineral extraction rights for US firms in exchange for military assistance, mirroring the US-Ukraine critical minerals arrangement. Such proposals may involve significant projects like the development of the Banana Port, echoing a previous agreement with the UAE regarding a joint investment in Congolese infrastructure and defense.
Monitoring of current military engagements in various axes of the conflict reveals no significant developments in the northern, southern, northwest, or southwest regions as of this reporting date. The report concludes with a call for continuous updates from various platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn, and BlueSky, as well as a subscription option for in-depth analysis through the Africa File.
The March 5, 2025, Congo War Security Review indicates ongoing diplomatic efforts by President Tshisekedi to leverage the DRC’s mineral wealth in exchange for military support from the United States and UAE. The exploration of strategic partnerships signifies a critical shift in DRC’s approach to securing assistance in the face of conflict. Continued monitoring of the situation will be imperative as developments unfold.
Original Source: www.criticalthreats.org
