Episode 437: Cobalt, Conflict, and the Congo: A Test for U.S. Strategy
Fault Lines · National Security Institute
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Show Notes
Today, Martha, Les, Bishop, and Amy discuss the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s plea for a minerals-for-security deal with the United States, as the country faces mounting violence and instability. With $24 trillion worth of natural resources—including critical cobalt reserves—on the line, Rwandan-backed rebel groups have seized key mining hubs in eastern Congo, killing thousands, displacing millions, and igniting regional tensions.
What’s in it for Washington, and can the Trump administration craft a consistent, credible Africa strategy? As Rwanda and Uganda continue to exploit the chaos and U.S. tariffs hamper global engagement, will this become another case where talk outpaces action? And with American companies reluctant to invest in conflict zones, is the DRC poised to become another lost front in the race for critical minerals?
Check out these sources which helped shape our Fellows’ conversation:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp34140qkw0o
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
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