Tensions flared at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town after South Africa’s mining minister Gwede Mantashe challenged the Democratic Republic of Congo over its critical minerals agreement with the United States. In a closed meeting, Mantashe accused Kinshasa of “selling out” to the US over last year’s critical minerals deal, claiming it prioritizes the DRC’s interest over Africa’s collective interest. However, DRC mining minister Louis Watum Kabamba firmly rejected the claim, arguing that the deal helps diversify partners beyond China and protects the DRC’s economic future. Mantashe insisted the dispute wasn’t personal but continental, warning that fragmented African bargaining invites a US “divide and conquer” strategy. The deal grants Washington access to strategic minerals in exchange for a Trump-brokered peace accord with Rwanda. However, critics warn that it limits local processing and regulatory flexibility.
Daily Maverick
