On March 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the Trump administration to block a lower court ruling that ordered the immediate release of nearly $2 billion in payments to contractors and grantees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The decision is a major setback for President Trump’s efforts to freeze foreign aid funding.

For sub-Saharan African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this could have far-reaching implications. Although it remains unclear whether the funds include allocations for the DRC, USAID has been a critical partner in the country, investing $6 billion over the past decade in sectors such as health, education, and humanitarian aid. As the largest bilateral donor active in 25 of the DRC’s 26 provinces, USAID’s contributions are vital in addressing challenges ranging from public health crises to infrastructure deficits. While substantial, the USAID support to the DRC lags behind China’s. For instance, Beijing, via Sicomines, is expected to invest $5.5 billion over 15 years in the DRC; in the mining sector alone. 

While major, the Supreme Court’s ruling was narrowly focused on procedural grounds, noting that the administration had failed to meet deadlines set by lower courts.  This leaves open the possibility of renewed legal challenges that could delay or alter future funding decisions. However,a swift resolution of legal disputes surrounding USAID support is critical for the DRC as the country already faces conflicts in its eastern regions.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho