Congo’s Tshisekedi Offers Trump Secret Mineral Deal to Crush Rebels

Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi has pitched a covert deal to President Trump trading mineral access for help against rebels. His February 8 letter offers U.S. firms a slice of Congo’s vast cobalt and copper trove if Trump aids his fight. The White House stays tight-lipped on the plea amid a war tearing at Africa’s mineral heartland.

Tshisekedi’s note came days after Trump launched a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund to rival China’s resource grab. Congo’s east bleeds from M23 rebels backed reportedly by Rwanda per UN claims. He seeks muscle but doesn’t spell out if it’s troops or gear he wants.

The Democratic Republic of Congo sits on metals key to batteries and tech fueling global green dreams. Tshisekedi’s regime struggles to hold ground against rebels eyeing those riches too. Trump’s fund could lock in U.S. stakes if he bites on this quid pro quo.

A White House aide dodged details saying private letters to Trump stay under wraps for now. Critics warn arming Congo risks deeper U.S. entanglement in a messy war with no clear end. Tshisekedi bets Trump’s dealmaking nose smells profit over peril here.

Congo’s mines have long lured foreign powers from Belgium’s colonial grip to China’s belt-and-road play. Rebels control swaths of the east choking Kinshasa’s grip on its own wealth. Tshisekedi’s offer tests if Trump sees Congo as a prize or a quagmire.

The M23 group surged anew in 2021 displacing millions and defying peace deals. Rights groups flag atrocities on all sides with civilians caught in the crossfire. U.S. aid could tip scales but spark blowback if it fuels more chaos instead.

Trump’s first term saw him push African nations to pick sides in his China trade rift. This deal could lock Congo into his orbit while dodging open war costs to taxpayers. Skeptics doubt he’ll jump without a clearer win for American workers back home.

Congo’s plea lands as Trump juggles domestic vows with global gambits like this one. Tshisekedi’s mineral card plays to Trump’s instincts but risks a backlash if rebels dig in. The quiet talks hint at a high-stakes chess move still in shadows.