What U.S. mineral pact with DRC means for Africa

The U.S. says it′s open to exploring critical minerals partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo as meetings between the country's President, Felix Tshisekedi and US legislator, Ronny Jackson happened this week. The deal is also expected to cover minerals-for-security as the DRC battles M23 rebels. Yinka Adegoke, the Editor at Semafor believes any potential agreement could also help Kinshasa in forcing the M23 to leave DR Congo. He joins me now for this discussion.The U.S. administration under President Trump is known for its transactional approach to international relations. They are unlikely to send military personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or any other country. Instead, the U.S. is more inclined towards brokered deals that benefit all parties involved. This potential mineral pact with the DRC is viewed through a transactional lens where the U.S. seeks to leverage its influence to address security concerns in the region. The focus is on finding a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses the conflict in the DRC while securing access to critical minerals for the U.S. market. The U.S. government's strategy is centered around exerting pressure on key players like Rwanda, who are believed to support the M23 rebels. By influencing these stakeholders through negotiations, the U.S. aims to achieve its security and economic objectives without direct military involvement.Statistically speaking, the successful implementation of this mineral-for-security deal could have far-reaching implications for the armed conflict in the DRC and neighboring regions. The presence of a multitude of rebel groups, especially in mineral-rich areas, has long been a destabilizing factor in the region. However, with strategic support and resources, the Congolese government could effectively combat these groups and assert control over the territory. The proposed arms supply from the U.S. could significantly enhance the military capabilities of the DRC, enabling them to quell rebel activities and establish stability in the region.The competition between global powers like the U.S. and China for influence in Africa is a crucial aspect of the evolving geopolitical landscape. While the U.S. considers its interests in the African continent, China's Belt and Road Initiative and Global Security Initiative present alternative visions of engagement. China's emphasis on non-interference, sovereignty, and non-conditional security aid has garnered attention from African nations seeking development partners. As the U.S. navigates its mineral pact negotiations with the DRC, the rivalry between China and the U.S. for influence in Africa intensifies. The shift in global power dynamics raises questions about the future trajectory of U.S. engagement in Africa, particularly in contrast to China's expanding influence.The implications of the potential U.S. mineral pact with the DRC extend beyond regional security and economic interests. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the conflict dynamics in the DRC but also shape the broader geopolitical landscape in Africa. As the U.S. explores critical minerals partnerships in the region, the strategic implications of its engagement with African nations come into focus. The evolving competition with China and the quest for influence in Africa underscore the significance of the U.S.-DRC mineral pact in reshaping regional dynamics.