Discussions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States over a potential “minerals-for-security” deal are raising eyebrows, as the agreement could shift the balance of power in the country’s mining sector, currently dominated by China. However, experts caution that there are still several hurdles to overcome before the deal can take effect. With violence intensifying in the eastern regions of the DRC, where M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of vital towns, the government in Kinshasa has proposed giving the United States greater access to the country’s rich mineral resources. In exchange, the DRC … Continue reading US-DRC Minerals Agreement Could Challenge China’s Grip