‘We are exploited’: Congolese fear losing out as US makes minerals deals

Al JazeeraEN 5 min read 100% complete by Prosper Heri NgororaFebruary 4, 2026 at 12:45 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

As the US seeks to diversify its critical mineral supply chains and counter China's dominance, a meeting was held in Washington, D.C. involving delegations from 50 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US has signed a mining agreement with the DRC to secure essential components for technology and security. However, many Congolese, particularly in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, fear exploitation. They worry that the deal will exacerbate existing issues like poverty, low wages, child exploitation, environmental degradation, and socio-political instability, without benefiting local communities. These concerns arise as the US increases its demand for minerals found in the DRC.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kinshasa 30% Gerard Buunda ×240% Donald Trump 40% Felix Tshisekedi 50% Goma ×250% North Kivu province ×250% China 60% Marco Rubio 60% Washington, D.C. 70% United States ×380% Democratic Republic of the Congo ×590%

Keywords

critical minerals 90% democratic republic of the congo 90% economic exploitation 80% united states 70% mineral extraction 70% supply chains 60% mining agreement 60% artisanal miner 50% foreign multinationals 50%