The US-DRC Strategic Partnership Effectively Ends Kagame’s Reign of Terror in the DRC

Let us address four key questions regarding the US-DRC Strategic Partnership.

Firstly, does the Strategic Partnership include a mechanism to defend the DRC against its enemies, including Rwanda and its proxy army, M23?

The answer is yes. The US-DRC Strategic Partnership includes a Security and Defence Cooperation. This cooperation empowers the US to deploy all available tools to defend the DRC against all external threats and to build the capacity of state authority across the Democratic Republic of the Congo so that it can defend itself in the future.

Secondly, who specifically will manage the US-DRC Strategic Partnership to ensure its success?

The Strategic Partnership Agreement establishes a United States-Democratic Republic of the Congo Binational Economic Partnership Forum (BEPF). The BEPF is a government-to-government dialogue to deepen cooperation on shared economic priorities.

Thirdly, how will the Strategic Partnership Agreement enable the DRC to become a reliable exporter of the critical minerals for US commercial and defence needs?

Infrastructure development is given a high priority in the US-DRC Strategic Partnership. The Parties recognize the strategic nature of the Sakania-Lobito Corridor project, which serves as a key route for the transport and export of copper, cobalt, zinc and other critical minerals, as well as other commercial goods, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States of America. The US$4 billion figure is the total investment mobilized by the United States for the Lobito Corridor project as of late 2024 and throughout 2025.

Fourthly, how does the US-DRC Strategic Partnership benefit the DRC in terms of facilitating its own economic development?

In 2026, the development of the Inga Hydropower Complex —specifically the proposed Inga 3 and the broader Grand Inga project—is positioned as a cornerstone for the DRC’s economic transformation. 

The project aims to turn the DRC into a regional "energy powerhouse". Significant portions of generated power are intended for export to South Africa (2,500–5,000 MW), Nigeria (3,000 MW), and Angola(5,000 MW). These exports are estimated to generate between US$1 billion and US$1.5 billion in annual revenue from water rights and sales.

Under the US-DRC strategic Partnership, the parties are to establish a Grand Inga Hydropower Project Coordination and Governance Committee to advance Inga-related projects. Through this Committee, the Parties shall coordinate to mobilize capital for the financing of the Grand Inga hydropower projects, including from development finance and export credit institutions, international financial institutions and multilateral development banks. 

As of June 2025, the World Bank approved a $1 billion program for Inga 3, with an initial $250 million from the International Development Association (IDA).

In concluding my remarks, I say this:

When the United States publicly states that “We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” it refers to the United States-Democratic Republic of the Congo Strategic Agreement. In particular, the United States is referring to the Security and Defence Cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which commits the United States to use the tools at its disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I can state without doubt that the US-DRC Strategic Partnership effectively ends the reign of terror in the DRC by Rwandan strongman Paul Kagame. His thirty-year violence, plunder and regime-change in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has come to an abrupt end. There is no room to hide.

Thanks for your kind attention.