At the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South African Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, confronted DRC's mining minister, Louis Watum Kabamba, over the Democratic Republic of Congo's recent critical minerals agreement with the United States. Mantashe accused the DRC of compromising African interests by siding with the U.S. rather than focusing on continental unity in the management of Africa's vast mineral resources. This exchange highlighted ongoing tensions about resource management and geopolitical alliances within the continent.

The exchange escalated during a closed ministerial meeting where analysts reported Mantashe's critique, suggesting the DRC is 'selling out'. Kabamba countered these accusations, emphasizing the deal’s mutual benefits and insisting that the DRC was not merely giving away its mineral wealth. His defense of the agreement pointed to the complexities involved in international deals, particularly those related to critical minerals which have increasing global demand amidst the energy transition.

Following the closed discussion, both ministers participated in an open panel where Kabamba reiterated that the DRC's partnership with the U.S. is designed to be reciprocal, benefiting both parties rather than serving as a one-sided advantage. This debate underscores the delicate balance African countries must strike in managing their resources while navigating relationships with powerful global players like the U.S., pushing for unity while also seeking individual national gains.