The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing accusations of selling off its mineral wealth to the United States, but the DRC's mining minister, Louis Watum, has firmly rejected these claims. The minister made this announcement at the African Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, emphasizing that the DRC has not ceded any rights to its valuable mineral resources. The allegations come at a time when global competition for critical resources, such as copper, cobalt, coltan, and lithium, is intensifying, particularly between the US and China, which dominates the critical mineral supply chains.

The agreement in question was signed in December alongside a peace accord that aimed to address the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. While the deal gives the US access to the DRC's vast mineral reserves, Watum clarified that it merely establishes a framework for discussions with American companies about potential investment projects. The DRC has not made any concessions that would indicate a loss of ownership over its resources, emphasizing that no sale has occurred as a result of this agreement.

As tensions continue in the eastern regions of the DRC, where fighting has not ceased, this clarification underscores the DRC's intent to manage its mineral wealth and maintain sovereignty over its resources. The DRC government's stance is significant as it seeks to navigate relationships with major global players while safeguarding its national interests in the lucrative mining sector.