Congo President Félix Tshisekedi says his country is ready to supply the United States with the critical minerals that power phones, cars, and the electric grid — but only if Washington helps secure peace in the east of the country.

In an exclusive interview with Scripps News, Tshisekedi highlighted the Democratic Republic of Congo's dominance in cobalt production. The country produces nearly three-quarters of the world's supply and holds more than half of known reserves.

"We think that since the United States, with President Trump in the lead, are interested in these strategic minerals, their first reflex will obviously be to guarantee the security of these investments," Tshisekedi said.

Eastern Congo is in turmoil as the M23 rebel group seizes mineral-rich territory near Goma. United

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