US Authorizes Military Cooperation with DRC

President Félix Tshisekedi with Trump in December 2025

Washington has lifted key restrictions on military assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo, paving the way for renewed U.S. security cooperation and training programs with Kinshasa.

The development shared by the Republican policy advisory firm Von Batten-Montague-York, credits progress under President Félix Tshisekedi’s government in addressing one of the region’s most sensitive human rights issues.

“U.S. law restricts military assistance and training to governments whose forces recruit or use child soldiers. Because of the long and brutal conflict involving armed groups in eastern Congo, the #DRC has previously been subject to these restrictions,” the statement explained.

It continued: “New US assessments show that the government of President Félix Tshisekedi is taking meaningful and sustained steps to eliminate the use of child soldiers and strengthen accountability within its security institutions. These efforts are producing measurable progress and reflect the determination of the Congolese government and people to restore peace and stability.”

In recognition of this progress and growing U.S. strategic interests in Central Africa, the Trump Administration has now authorized a waiver. “The @realDonaldTrump Administration has authorized a waiver allowing certain U.S. security cooperation and training programs with the DRC to continue,” the statement declared.

The move is expected to bolster the Congolese armed forces’ ability to tackle persistent rebel threats in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where groups such as M23 continue to destabilize mineral-rich areas and displace hundreds of thousands of civilians. The waiver could also open doors for joint training, equipment support, and intelligence sharing—key tools in the fight against armed groups that have exploited weak state institutions for decades.

“The US stands with the Congolese people in their pursuit of sovereignty, security, and a peaceful future. Continued partnership with the DRC reflects a shared commitment to regional stability and to ensuring that the Congolese people can fully benefit from the prosperity of their nation,” the statement added.

The policy shift comes as Washington seeks to counter external influences in the Great Lakes region while promoting stability around critical mineral supply chains essential for global technology and green energy.

A week ago, Washington imposed sanctions on the Rwandan army and their commanders over alleged support for the M23 rebels in the Eastern DRC.