During a July 24 discussion, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi laid out hopes for future US engagement with his country.
Tshisekedi emphasized the critical role of US leadership in addressing the DRC’s security challenges. He requested US assistance to achieve lasting stability and ended by advocating for stronger US-DRC and US-Africa partnerships for mutual development.
This development could be the United States’ green light to stop a regional war in one of Africa’s largest countries.
Why DRC Needs Support
For decades, the eastern region of the DRC has been a battlefield, with approximately six million people killed and over six million more internally displaced since 1996.
While the conflict’s roots are deep and complex, violence from Rwandan-linked rebel groups, such as the March 23 Movement (M23), continues to undermine the security of the Congolese population.
To exacerbate the crisis, over 100 non-state armed groups remain active, raising fears of a devastating regional conflict between the DRC and Rwanda.
As of July 2024, the M23 — an ethnic Tutsi-led insurgent group fighting against Congolese forces — is the primary force in ongoing violence, continuing its push over Goma, a key city in eastern DRC, and disrupting regional security dynamics.
This has compelled DRC’s armed forces to refocus its efforts on Goma and reduce presence in other areas. The Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) escalated its support, deploying extra troops and resources to help stabilize the area.
Shifting Landscape of Support
When the Congolese government ended the UN mission in the country in July 2023 and ordered all troops to leave by the end of 2024, the peacekeeping burden shifted to regional actors. Countries such as Burundi, Angola, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan are now taking steps to mediate the conflict and promote stability.
On the diplomatic front, an open-ended ceasefire was announced on July 30 at the initiative of Angola and the African Union, which came into effect on August 4. The US stated it was prepared to assist in the enforcement and supervision of the ceasefire.
As the UN phases out its operations, the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC, and The Wazalendo — a group of irregular fighters allied with FARDC and opposed to M23 — are stepping in to fill the security void.
The FARDC is tasked with maintaining stability and countering armed groups. At the same time, SAMIDRC’s regional force aims to support these efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to peacekeeping and conflict resolution in the region.
With increased military assistance, Washington would strengthen its diplomatic relationships, contribute to regional stability, reaffirm its commitment to global security, and prevent a potential regional war with Rwanda.
US Intervention Would Be Hit for Moscow
The United States should not allow Russia to establish a foothold in the DRC as it has in other conflict regions.
Russian paramilitaries are notorious for committing atrocities against civilians in their counter-terrorism operations. Nevertheless, countries like Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic are increasingly turning to Moscow as their primary security partner.
The US investing in the DRC would counterbalance Russia’s expanding influence on the continent, preventing it from securing a stronger position in Central Africa. By forging closer relations with the DRC, the United States could deter the country from pursuing military alliances with Russia, which is known to provide affordable yet potentially destabilizing military aid.
By providing the security the DRC desperately needs, the US could demonstrate its genuine commitment to the well-being of African nations beyond the pursuit of resources like oil and gold, as Russia has historically done.
By providing the Congolese military with assistance, including training, weapons, intelligence, and equipment, the US can give the DRC an alternative to Russia and create a safer environment for Congolese citizens.
Improving DRC-US Ties Could Be Mutually Beneficial
Improving relations between the US and the DRC could benefit both nations.
President Tshisekedi urgently needs support to fight rebels, and US investment in the DRC could help build a strong partnership that promotes trade, democratic values, and peace.
Supporting the DRC in its fight against armed groups would also help curb the spread of violence and extremism in Africa, preventing global repercussions.
For reference, the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces has been a significant source of violence and instability in eastern DRC. In 2023, the militant group was responsible for over 1,000 fatalities, making it the deadliest threat to civilians in the region.
Moreover, a stable DRC can become a more reliable trading partner, contributing to the diversification of supply chains and reducing dependency on less stable regions.
Economically, the DRC holds an estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves, including significant quantities of cobalt and copper essential for electric vehicle batteries and other technologies vital to the green energy transition.
In return, the US can support the DRC through infrastructure, healthcare, and governance investments. In 2022, a memorandum of understanding between the US, DRC, and Zambia aimed to develop a cross-border value chain for electric vehicle batteries, highlighting the mutual benefits of such partnerships. This agreement helps the DRC economically and assists America in securing a stable supply of cobalt and copper, reducing reliance on China.
Additionally, Washington can help combat the illicit trade and exploitation of minerals like gold and tantalum, which finance the conflict in the DRC. Reports by the UN and civil society show that traders, sometimes aided by armed groups, transport and export significant quantities of these minerals from the DRC.
By investing in the stabilization and development of the DRC, the US can proactively mitigate these risks at their source.
Looking Forward
The DRC deserves a brighter future, free from violence and instability. By providing targeted military aid and policies aimed at humanitarian and diplomacy efforts, the US can become a powerful force for peace.
This strategic investment can significantly weaken Moscow’s influence in Africa while empowering the Congolese people to build a secure and prosperous nation.
Investing in the DRC aligns with the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, extending these ideals beyond America’s borders and contributing to a better world.
Avery Warfield is an analyst at a sub-Saharan Africa-based consulting firm.
He has extensive international experience living and working in the United States, France, Mauritania, Uganda, Kenya, and Senegal.
Avery holds a degree in Politics & International Affairs from Wake Forest University.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the US government or any other entity.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Defense Post.
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