The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially severed ties with intermediaries that had linked its government to the United States in negotiations concerning the mining and processing of minerals.
Since February 2025, the DRC had partnered with U.S.-based lobbying firms, including Earhart Turner LLC, headquartered in Washington D.C. Though less than a month old at the time, the firm signed a six-month, $5 million contract with the DRC to represent the Congolese government in discussions with members of the U.S. Congress, executive departments, and other U.S. institutions. Their responsibilities included strategic communication, research, and security-related analysis.
These talks were aimed at securing U.S. support to help the DRC strengthen its national army and improve internal security threatened by armed rebel groups. In return, the DRC offered opportunities in the mining and processing of its rich mineral resources.
However, on April 7, 2025, Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Félix Tshisekedi, announced that the DRC government would now prioritize direct diplomatic relations with the United States, bypassing third-party intermediaries.
Salama clarified that in this new approach, President Tshisekedi had canceled all existing contracts between the DRC and American lobbying firms, including Earhart Turner LLC.
“For this reason,” she stated, “the President has decided to immediately suspend all agreements and ongoing engagements between the DRC and U.S.-based lobbying firms, including Earhart Turner LLC, until further notice or the issuance of a new directive.”
This decision follows a recent visit to Kinshasa by a U.S. delegation led by Massad Boulos, the Advisor for African Partnerships. During the meeting, Boulos assured President Tshisekedi of continued dialogue and cooperation on strategic issues, including security and economic development.
The DRC’s move signals a significant shift in how the country intends to navigate its international partnerships—directly, transparently, and on its own terms.
