In a continent filled with fast-changing allegiances and shifting power centers, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has quietly—and suddenly—emerged as a key player in Africa’s strategic and economic future. And at the center of this unexpected spotlight is President Félix Tshisekedi, who’s receiving more diplomatic attention than ever before.
Not too long ago, the DRC was synonymous with instability, armed conflict, and squandered potential. It still battles deep-rooted problems: armed militias terrorize the eastern provinces, infrastructure is fragile, and corruption continues to plague public institutions. But now, thanks to a cocktail of geopolitical necessity, untapped mineral wealth, and Tshisekedi’s new assertiveness, Kinshasa is getting calls from Washington, Brussels, and Beijing like never before.
At the heart of this sudden surge in attention is cobalt—the bluish metal vital to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The DRC produces around 70% of the world’s cobalt, making it an indispensable player in the global green transition. As Western nations try to secure non-Chinese supply chains for critical minerals, they’re realizing that all roads lead to the Congo.
The United States, under its Minerals Security Partnership initiative, has ramped up diplomatic outreach to Kinshasa, hoping to lock in access to strategic resources while countering China’s dominance in the sector. Beijing, for its part, has long been embedded in the DRC’s mining landscape, with Chinese firms dominating the extraction and export of cobalt, copper, and other key minerals. The result? A superpower tug-of-war unfolding in the heart of Africa.
Tshisekedi, now in his second term after winning re-election in December 2023, is well aware of this renewed global interest. And unlike some of his predecessors, he’s playing the field with a degree of confidence and calculation. Rather than align too closely with either Washington or Beijing, Tshisekedi is striking a tone of pragmatic non-alignment, echoing the spirit of the Cold War-era Non-Aligned Movement—but with a 21st-century twist.
He’s also using the moment to push for what many in Kinshasa see as long-overdue reforms in mining contracts. Last year, Tshisekedi’s government renegotiated a high-profile agreement with China, demanding greater transparency and more benefits for Congolese citizens. In response to years of criticism that mining deals have enriched elites while leaving locals in poverty, Tshisekedi insists it’s time the Congolese people saw a fair share of the wealth under their feet.
But it’s not just minerals that are making the world take notice. The DRC has become increasingly central to regional peace and security efforts, particularly as instability spreads through the Great Lakes region. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing, has sparked regional tensions and international concern. Tshisekedi’s stance on the conflict—blunt, unapologetic, and aimed squarely at Kigali—has earned him both praise and criticism. Still, his role in shaping the region’s security dynamics is now undeniable.
Tshisekedi has also reasserted the DRC’s position within continental diplomacy. Under his leadership, Kinshasa is moving closer to the East African Community (EAC), aiming to balance historical Francophone ties with new regional alignments. At the same time, he’s become more vocal within the African Union, calling for a stronger, more unified African voice in global affairs and urging reform of international institutions that still treat Africa as a junior partner.
Cynics argue that this is all optics, that Tshisekedi’s domestic record is shaky at best. While he’s promised anti-corruption reforms and economic development, much of the population remains mired in poverty, and critics accuse his administration of failing to deliver on basic services. His election victory in 2023 was accepted with far less controversy than in 2018, but questions about transparency and voter access persist.
Still, geopolitics doesn’t wait for perfect governance. As long as cobalt keeps powering the world’s green ambitions and as long as regional instability threatens global interests, Tshisekedi’s Congo will remain a crucial player. And if he can parlay this attention into meaningful investment, infrastructure, and reform, the DRC might finally begin to close the gap between its vast potential and its troubled reality. In the meantime, diplomats, CEOs, and generals will keep dialing Kinshasa. Tshisekedi may not have all the answers, but for the first time in a long time, he has the leverage to ask the right questions—and perhaps, demand better terms for his country. From Brussels to Beijing and from DC to Dar es Salaam, one thing is clear: ignoring the Congo is no longer an option.
