Democratic Republic of the Congo–United States relations

Democratic Republic of the Congo–United States relations refers to international bilateral relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United States of America.

Historical relations

Diplomatic relations between the DRC and the United States were established on June 30, 1960, following the DRC's independence from Belgium. During the Cold War, when the DRC was known as Zaire under President Mobutu Sese Seko, the nation maintained a strong alliance with the United States due to Mobutu's anti-communist stance. This alliance led to significant U.S. foreign aid and collaboration against Soviet-backed movements in Africa. However, post-1991, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, U.S. support waned, contributing to Mobutu's fall during the First Congo War and the nation's subsequent rebranding as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Economic relations

The United States is one of the largest trading partners with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States exports $253 million dollars worth of produced goods to the DRC a year, and the United States imports $323.1 million a year with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United States is the DRC's largest bilateral donor, providing aid to support development and stability. In 2025 developments, President Félix Tshisekedi proposed a deal to U.S. President Donald Trump, offering mining opportunities in exchange for assistance in combating the M23 rebel group. This proposal underscores the DRC's vast reserves of minerals like cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum, which are vital to American tech industries. Additionally, the U.S. signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DRC and Zambia to jointly develop a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, highlighting the strategic importance of the DRC's mineral wealth.

Cultural relations

Cultural exchanges between the DRC and the United States have been limited, with interactions primarily facilitated through educational programs and international organizations. Both nations are members of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, a conservation initiative promoting sustainable management of the Congo Basin's tropical forests. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to environmental preservation and offers avenues for cultural and scientific collaboration.

Political relations

In April 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) commuted the death sentences of three American citizens convicted of participating in a failed coup attempt in May 2024, reducing their sentences to life imprisonment. The coup, led by opposition figure Christian Malanga, resulted in six deaths and targeted the presidential palace in Kinshasa. Among those convicted were Malanga’s son, Marcel Malanga, and two other Americans, Tyler Thompson Jr. and Benjamin Zalman-Polun. The commutations came amid ongoing U.S.-DRC negotiations on mineral deals and security cooperation, including plans for a U.S. delegation visit to support peace efforts in eastern DRC.

Military relations

The United States has partnered with the DRC and other Central African nations to enhance regional security. Initiatives like the Tripartite Plus agreement, involving the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, focus on collaborative security efforts. Additionally, the U.S. has supported United Nations efforts to monitor borders and address conflicts involving rebel groups like the M23. The proposed security pact by President Tshisekedi seeks formal U.S. assistance in combating these rebels, highlighting the ongoing military collaboration between the two nations.