Congo War Security Review: Military Partnerships and Mineral Wealth Negotiations

This review covers updates on the Congo War as of March 5, 2025, highlighting President Tshisekedi’s negotiations with the U.S. and UAE for military assistance in exchange for mineral resource access, amid no new developments reported in conflict zones.

The Congo War Security Review dated March 5, 2025, provides a daily summary of the ongoing conflict between M23 forces backed by Rwanda and the Congolese government. Noteworthy updates include strategic discussions by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi with officials in the United States and the UAE regarding military assistance in return for access to critical minerals.

In the northern, southern, northwest, and southwest axes, there have been no significant developments reported. The review indicates a quiet status in these regions.

A significant political development includes reports from Africa Intelligence revealing President Tshisekedi’s negotiations surrounding mineral partnership agreements with the United States and UAE. The DRC is seeking military support in exchange for access to its mineral wealth, emphasizing its copper and cobalt mining interests in the Lualaba province.

Further, President Tshisekedi highlighted potential benefits for the U.S. and European Union in utilizing the DRC’s mineral resources in an interview with The New York Times. The DRC’s proposals involve granting extraction rights to U.S. companies and creating joint mineral stockpiles, reminiscent of a deal between the U.S. and Ukraine.

The ongoing discussions resemble a previous agreement in 2021 where the UAE’s DP World gained a significant stake in the Banana Port in exchange for investment and military supplies. This continuing pattern indicates a strategic approach by the DRC to leverage its mineral resources amidst geopolitical interests.

In conclusion, the March 5, 2025, Congo War Security Review underscores President Tshisekedi’s strategic initiatives to secure military assistance through mineral partnerships with the United States and UAE. Despite the lack of significant developments in the various conflict regions, the political maneuvering for economic incentives reveals the DRC’s efforts to address both security and resource management effectiveness in the face of ongoing conflict.

Original Source: www.criticalthreats.org