The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has ended its $5 million lobbying contract with a US public relations firm, choosing instead to engage in direct dialogue with the Trump administration.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo ended its $5 million lobbying contract with a US PR firm
- It aims to engage in direct dialogue with the Trump administration
- Congo’s decision signals a new era in its diplomatic efforts and a potential shift in Washington’s engagement on the continent
The DRC government has announced it will be suspending the $5 million lobbying contract, signed with lobbying firm, Earhart Turner to prioritize direct relations with the Trump administration through official channels.
The firm had secured the contract to facilitate a mineral deal and counter Rwanda-backed rebels.
The DRC’s decision to terminate the third-party lobbying contract is part of a broader shift in the country’s strategy to strengthen ties and promote economic cooperation with the U.S. directly.
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Earhart Turner’s work included advocacy before Congress, the executive branch, and other agencies, as well as strategic communications and policy analysis.
The deal aimed to improve the Democratic Republic of Congo’s image in Washington and to facilitate closer diplomatic and economic ties with the United States, particularly in the lead-up to potential changes in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.
The firm was expected to advocate for DRC interests among U.S. lawmakers, think tanks, and policymakers, promoting strategic partnerships, economic cooperation, and favorable media coverage.
However, the contract’s termination signals a significant shift in Kinshasa’s approach—favoring direct state-to-state communication rather than relying on intermediaries.
Confirming the new development, Tina Salama, President Félix Tshisekedi’s spokeswoman, said “in view of the mutually expressed desire to relaunch strategic partnerships between the two administrations, the Democratic Republic of Congo has retained in its approach the imperative of favouring direct exchanges with the new American administration, through official and authorised channels.”
Trump’s stance on DRC new deal
Following the appointment of a new advisor for Africa, President Trump announced the United States’ intent to renew talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the ongoing crisis in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is engaging with the United States for a variety of strategic, economic, and political reasons, all of which center around the desire to secure economic growth, stabilize the region, and strengthen its international standing.
As the DRC faces numerous internal challenges, including political instability, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises, it seeks international partners that can provide both resources and support in navigating these complex issues.
For the U.S., the deal would represent an opportunity to reassert its influence in Central Africa, secure access to critical minerals essential for global supply chains, and support regional stability through strategic partnerships.
Congo’s decision to bypass lobbyists may signal a new era in its diplomatic efforts. By engaging directly with the US administration, Congo seeks to build stronger, more direct relationships.
Among these partners, the United States plays a pivotal role in the DRC’s foreign policy strategy.
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DRC’s decision to pick direct contact over lobbying with the US further signals a shift in Washington’s engagement on the continent, favoring direct diplomatic channels over third-party mediation.
This approach could potentially lead to increased economic cooperation and a deeper understanding between the two nations.
The implications of this shift remain to be seen, but it marks an interesting development in international diplomacy and economic relations.
