CENCO Backs DRC–U.S. Strategic Minerals Partnership as Path to National Development
At a press briefing held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Interdiocesan Center in Kinshasa, Monsignor Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), addressed the growing partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States, particularly concerning the exploitation of strategic minerals such as tin, tungsten, and tantalum—collectively known as the “3Ts.”
Monsignor Nshole emphasized the positive potential of this partnership for the Congolese people.
“Like many of our compatriots, we hold strong hopes that the negotiations surrounding our natural resources—especially strategic minerals—will lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of all Congolese,” he stated. “These activities must drive inclusive national development.”
His remarks follow an April meeting between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Massad Boulos, senior Africa advisor to U.S.
President Donald Trump. Their discussions centered on the security situation in eastern DRC and the broader economic relationship between the two nations.
After the meeting, Boulos expressed confidence in a mutually beneficial partnership.
“I look forward to working with President Tshisekedi and his team to deepen our bilateral ties and encourage U.S. private sector investment in the DRC, particularly in the mining sector,” he said. “Our shared goal is to promote prosperity for both the Congolese and American people.”
