Rwanda: Congress Members 'Alarmed' By U.S.-DR Congo Mineral Deal

What the report says

Dozens of members of the U.S. Congress have raised alarms over the Trump administration’s critical minerals agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries, according to The New Times, republished by AllAfrica. In a letter dated August 17, 54 lawmakers asked U.S. trade, state, commerce and treasury officials to explain safeguards for deals they say could weaken human rights, environmental rules, labor protections and congressional oversight.

The lawmakers focused heavily on the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement, arguing that it could give American companies preferred access to Congolese mining concessions while conflict and rights abuses continue. They also questioned reports that the U.S. has supported a paramilitary force around mining operations and suggested the administration may ease sanctions on businessman Dan Gertler to advance a cobalt arrangement. The letter asks what protections would apply to any U.S.-backed force and whether local labor rights, including freedom of association, would be respected.

The concerns extend beyond Congo. The lawmakers criticized reported use of U.S. aid as leverage in talks with Zambia, including pressure tied to HIV medicines and other assistance, and said similar deals with Malaysia, Argentina, Ecuador, Cambodia and Bangladesh appear to prioritize mining access without binding environmental or labor commitments. They argued the approach could leave mineral-rich countries stuck in extractive roles instead of helping them build processing and manufacturing capacity.

While backing efforts to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on China, the lawmakers said the administration’s mineral strategy needs stronger transparency and better protections for communities, workers and the environment.