Critical Minerals, Dangerous Ties: Can Trump’s Deal and Democracy in the DRC Work Perfectly?

December 05, 2025 at 20:13 PM EST

By Dr. Justin B. Mudekereza

In a world racing toward clean energy and technological dominance, the struggle for control over critical minerals has become one of the defining geopolitical battles of our era. Yet nowhere are the stakes higher—or more fragile—than in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Critical Minerals, Dangerous Ties, author Dr. Justin B. Mudekereza confronts one of the most urgent questions in global politics: Can international partnerships truly succeed when built on a foundation of disputed democracy?

Far from a simple analysis of mineral wealth, this book exposes the complex reality behind a nation rich in resources yet burdened by political uncertainty. Dr. Mudekereza examines the mineral deal promoted under President Félix Tshisekedi and the renewed interest from the United States, including agreements associated with former President Donald Trump. But behind the diplomacy lies a deeper dilemma — one that challenges the very idea of progress.

With clarity and precision, the book investigates the controversies surrounding the 2018 and 2023 DRC elections, highlighting accusations of irregularities, corruption, and human rights concerns that continue to shadow the nation’s leadership. Dr. Mudekereza invites readers to consider how global powers engage with countries whose democratic institutions remain contested—and what happens when economic urgency overshadows the voices of the people.

More than a critique, Critical Minerals, Dangerous Ties is a call to rethink how international cooperation should work in fragile democracies. Through documented cases, political insight, and firsthand understanding of the region, Dr. Mudekereza argues that long-term stability cannot come from mineral deals alone. It requires fair elections, accountable governance, and diplomacy that prioritizes citizens over strategic convenience.

Balancing analysis with humanitarian urgency, this book provides essential context for anyone who cares about the intersection of geopolitics, ethics, and democratic integrity. It raises challenging but necessary questions: What is the true cost of global progress? And who pays the price when democracy is compromised?

A compelling and timely work, Critical Minerals, Dangerous Ties is for readers who want to understand not only the minerals beneath the surface—

but the political realities shaping the future of the DRC and the world.