For several months now, discussions on a strengthened partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have generated strong international interest. Behind this cooperation is a huge challenge: the control of strategic minerals essential for the global economy of the future. Copper, cobalt, lithium, coltan, manganese or even rare earths: the DRC has some of the world's largest reserves of critical minerals used in electric batteries, smartphones, military technologies, artificial intelligence and energy transition. Washington now sees Kinshasa as a key partner in its strategy to reduce its dependence on China, now dominant in refining and global trade in strategic minerals. The heart of partnership: critical minerals The main pillar of the reconciliation between Washington and Kinshasa concerns critical minerals. A strategic agreement signed at the end of 2025 aims to secure American access to cobalt, the...