Congo president meets US lawmaker amid talk of mineral deal

17/3/2025 19:17

Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has met U.S. lawmaker Ronny Jackson to discuss fighting in the east of the country and opportunities for U.S. investment, Congo's presidency said.



The meeting took place one week after Washington said it was open to exploring critical minerals partnerships with Congo. A Congolese lawmaker in February contacted U.S. officials to pitch a minerals-for-security deal.



A presidency statement described Jackson as a "special envoy" for U.S. President Donald Trump.



Tshisekedi faces an insurgency by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in east Congo and his government plans to send a delegation to peace talks in Angola on Tuesday.



Congo has vast reserves of cobalt, lithium and uranium among other minerals.