Rebel Leader Denounces US-DRC Critical Minerals Partnership

Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) rebel coalition, has denounced a strategic partnership agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States as unconstitutional and flawed. Signed in Washington on December 4, the agreement grants the U.S. increased access to critical minerals in exchange for security cooperation and investment.

Nangaa argues the deal lacks transparency and was signed by a corrupt regime. He highlighted the impracticality of the agreement, noting that M23 rebels currently control key mineral zones such as Rubaya. This tension follows the M23 seizure of Goma one year ago and a brief entry into Uvira in December, which complicates the feasibility of U.S. investments in eastern Congo.

The Congolese presidency rejected these claims, labeling concerns over contract disputes as speculative and asserting the deal falls within constitutional prerogatives. Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba expressed confidence that the government would secure the necessary parliamentary approval when the partnership is presented in March.