- Donald Trump is pursuing commercial interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on its vast mineral wealth, particularly coltan, to secure critical supplies for the US economy.
- The Rubaya mine in eastern DRC, a significant source of coltan, is controlled by the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, and has seen hundreds of miners die in recent collapses.
- The 'security for minerals deal' was signed between the DRC’s president Felix Tshisekedi and the US, while Trump brokered a 'peace deal' between the DRC and Rwanda.
- While the DRC parliament challenges this agreement, it aims to help the government regain control of mineral-rich territories from rebel groups, though M23 has rejected the deal and continues to fund its conflict through mineral exploitation.
- Glencore 'is currently in talks to sell 40 per cent of its copper and cobalt operations', which indicates a decrease, not an increase, in direct involvement.
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