Why Minerals-for-Security Deals Won’t Save the DRC – by Bram Verelst, Said Abdullahi and Veronica Chepseba (Institute for Security Studies – April 22, 2026)

Key Takeaways

• US sanctioned Rwandan officials over M23 support in DRC
• Washington‑DRC Strategic Partnership grants US firms preferential mineral access
• Minerals‑for‑security deals don’t resolve DRC’s institutional fragility
• Conflict risks deter foreign investors and stall regional integration

Pulse Analysis

The Democratic Republic of the Congo sits atop some of the world’s largest deposits of cobalt, copper, and rare‑earth elements, making it a strategic prize for technology manufacturers and defense contractors. Over the past decade, external powers have tried to leverage this resource bounty to secure influence, often by linking mining licences to security assistance. The United States, under its America First agenda, has recently formalized a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Kinshasa that promises American firms preferential access to these critical minerals in exchange for heightened defence cooperation. This approach reflects a broader trend of using commodity diplomacy to advance geopolitical goals.

However, the minerals‑for‑security formula overlooks the root causes of instability in eastern DRC. The M23 rebellion, backed by neighboring Rwanda, thrives on weak state institutions, porous borders, and a lack of public trust. Sanctioning Rwandan officers signals Washington’s frustration but does little to strengthen Congolese governance or address local grievances. By tying mineral concessions to short‑term security arrangements, the agreement risks creating a rent‑seeking elite that profits without delivering public services, thereby perpetuating the fragility that the accords were meant to resolve.

For investors, the mixed signal from Washington—simultaneous sanctions and partnership deals—adds uncertainty to the risk calculus. While preferential access may attract U.S. capital, persistent conflict and governance deficits could delay project timelines and inflate costs. Moreover, regional integration efforts outlined in the Washington Accords hinge on mutual security guarantees that remain elusive. Stakeholders will likely watch for concrete reforms in the DRC’s mining code and transparent revenue‑sharing mechanisms before committing large‑scale investments, underscoring that mineral wealth alone cannot guarantee stability.