A new paramilitary guard is being established to secure Congo’s extensive mining operations, a $100 million initiative backed by U.S. and Emirati investments. This force, projected to grow to over 20,000 personnel by 2028, aims to enhance investor confidence and state oversight amid persistent insecurity and illicit trafficking in the region. The initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy to secure access to critical minerals like coltan, a vital component in modern technology. The guard will assume security responsibilities for mine sites, mineral transport, and foreign investments, seeking to improve governance and transparency in the mining sector.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea, denouncing the exploitation of African resources and the pursuit of power in a nation led by its long-serving authoritarian president. Addressing government officials, the pontiff echoed Pope Francis in criticizing economic systems that prioritize profit over people, leading to conflict and inequality. He suggested Equatorial Guinea should aspire to a “City of God” model, focused on unconditional love and mutual support rather than self-love and the lust for power, as he prepared to visit a prison.
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Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong condemnation against the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, labeling it a surefire path to widespread discontent and instability. During a significant address in Luanda, the capital of Angola, the Pontiff underscored a long-standing pattern where the continent’s wealth has been viewed primarily as a source for external extraction rather than for the benefit of its own people. He articulated a vision for breaking free from this “chain of interests” that reduces life and natural bounty to mere commodities, warning that such an “extractive logic” invariably leads to suffering, death, and devastating social and environmental consequences across the globe.… Continue reading
The U.S. issued a license on Friday authorizing dealings with Venezuela’s state-owned gold mining company, Minerven, a move signaling increased U.S. oversight of the South American nation’s natural resources. This decision followed a meeting between U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez, where security assurances for mining companies interested in investing were discussed. Notably, the license specifically prohibits engagement with Minerven by entities from Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba, aligning with the administration’s strategy to counter China’s influence on critical minerals and support Venezuela’s economic recovery.
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The US has presented Ukraine with a revised agreement concerning the management of its natural resources, demanding a joint investment fund overseen by a US-majority board. This significantly expands upon a previous proposal, granting Washington veto power and priority access to revenues and infrastructure projects. Ukrainian officials have strongly criticized the agreement as unfair and potentially detrimental to their sovereignty, citing concerns about resource control and financial dependence on the US. While the deal currently excludes nuclear assets, the possibility of future negotiations regarding nuclear energy infrastructure remains a concern.
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Zelensky’s reported reluctance to sign a minerals deal with the US highlights a complex situation fraught with distrust and underlying power dynamics. The proposed deal itself feels less like a mutually beneficial agreement and more like a desperate attempt by the US to secure resources, possibly stemming from a need to fund tax cuts without causing significant economic damage. This perception of desperation, fueled by past actions, significantly undermines any potential for a fair and trustworthy negotiation.
The proposed agreement carries the scent of past questionable dealings, bringing to mind previous accusations of leveraging aid for political gain. Concerns exist that this deal could mirror those past situations, potentially involving coercion or undue pressure.… Continue reading
A new proposal regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources has emerged, and it bears a striking resemblance to a previously rejected offer. The core of the proposal remains the same: a significant portion of Ukraine’s mineral wealth is requested in exchange for… well, virtually nothing concrete.
This echoes a previous, unsuccessful attempt to secure a large percentage of Ukraine’s resources, essentially proposing a deal where Ukraine relinquishes a substantial amount of its natural wealth for vague promises. This time, the percentage might be slightly tweaked, perhaps from 50% to 49%, but the fundamental imbalance of the deal persists. It’s as if the negotiators are playing a game of “how low can we go” with the percentage while ignoring the glaring absence of reciprocal benefits for Ukraine.… Continue reading
Despite claims by Donald Trump and Mike Waltz of an imminent deal, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy refuses to sign a US-proposed minerals agreement. The draft agreement, which would grant the US access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for weapons, is viewed by Ukraine as problematic due to its perceived unilateral nature and lack of true partnership. Concerns exist that the US may leverage Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink internet access to pressure a deal. Zelenskyy maintains his commitment to only accepting agreements that fully involve Ukraine.
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The U.S. proposed a deal to Ukraine offering security guarantees, including potential troop deployment, in exchange for 50% of its rare earth minerals. This proposal, presented by Treasury Secretary Bessent, was deemed a “memorandum,” not a formal security agreement, by President Zelensky, who requested further review. While Zelensky hasn’t signed, he has previously indicated openness to resource partnerships for security guarantees. Trump further claimed an “essential agreement” on a $500 billion resource deal.
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Ukraine’s decisive rejection of a US proposal to acquire 50% ownership of its rare earth minerals underscores a deeply problematic power dynamic. The reported offer, essentially demanding a relinquishment of trillions of dollars worth of resources in exchange for nothing—no increased aid, no security guarantees, and no pathway to NATO membership—is shocking in its audacity. This perceived attempt at a unilateral grab for Ukraine’s wealth stands in stark contrast to the nation’s ongoing struggle for survival against a brutal invasion.
The timing of this alleged proposal raises even more serious questions. It’s suggested that this occurred concurrently with reported US moves to ease sanctions on Russia and Belarus, even potentially reinstating Russia’s position in the G7.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood