DRC-U.S. Strategic Partnership

Kinshasa | December 31, 2025 The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has strongly denied allegations that the strategic partnership agreement signed with the United States constitutes a sell-off of the country’s economic or mineral interests. Speaking during a joint press briefing on Tuesday, December 30, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the National Economy, Daniel Mukoko Samba, alongside the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, sought to clarify the economic component of the Washington Agreement, signed on December 4, 2025, under the auspices of U.S. President Donald Trump. “This is neither a deal, nor a contract, nor a document intended to sell out the interests of the DRC,” Mukoko Samba stated, responding to widespread criticism circulating in political circles, civil society, and online media. A Framework Agreement, Not a Transaction According to the government, the agreement should be understood as a strategic and legal framework for cooperation, rather than a transactional document involving the transfer of assets or concessions. “This is a technical framework agreement defining areas of cooperation-economy and trade, security, governance, education, science, and technology-without ceding a single mine, designating a single investor, or awarding any contract,” Mukoko emphasized. He categorically rejected claims of a “fire sale” of Congolese mineral resources, stating that no mining concessions, no preferential pricing, and no derogation from Congolese laws are mentioned in the agreement. Major Development Projects Highlighted Mukoko Samba underlined that the partnership aims to support peace, security, and economic development, with the prospect of large-scale job creation. He cited flagship projects included in the cooperation framework, notably: The Grand Inga hydropower project The Lobito Corridor Key national road infrastructure projects Government officials stressed that the agreement goes beyond the mining sector, encompassing defense, security, and governance reforms, positioning it as a long-term development partnership. Monitoring and Governance Mechanisms To ensure transparency and implementation, the Washington Agreement provides for the establishment of a joint steering committee, composed of five representatives from each country. The committee is expected to convene within 90 days of the agreement’s signing, with evaluations scheduled every three years. In the event of disputes, Mukoko Samba noted that Prime Minister Judith Suminwa would serve as the arbitration authority, providing an institutional mechanism for dialogue and resolution. Government Pushback Against “Misinformation” Minister Patrick Muyaya echoed these clarifications, accusing critics of spreading misinformation based on emotional or partial readings of a public and technical document. The executive branch insists that the agreement in no way compromises Congolese sovereignty. As debates continue within political and civil society circles, the government says it remains committed to transparency and to defending national interests while pursuing strategic international partnerships.