The Strategic Proposal of DRC to The US and Europe
Felix Tshisekedi, DRC President, has reportedly proposed granting United States and Europe access to the country’s wealth of mineral resources. This bold diplomatic move was on the condition that they intervene to end the ongoing conflict ravaging the nation.
Tina Salama, the presidential Spokesperson, said:” President Tshisekedi invites the USA, whose companies source strategic raw materials from Rwanda. Materials that are looted from the DRC and smuggles to Rwanda while our populations are massacred, to purchase them directly from us the rightful owners.” Surging the US to buy critical minerals from Kinshasa rather than sourcing “looted” and “smuggled” resources through Rwanda. While emphasising on the DRC being the “rightful owners.”
Additionally, Tshisekedi did not rule out a potential minerals deal, according to The New York Times. He stated that such an agreement would bring more security and stability to the country. Moreover, this proposal follows the US mandatory sanctions on Jamed Kabarebe, a Rwandan military officer linked to the M23 rebel group accused of seizing key towns in eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s Role in Mineral Exploitation
In fact, multiple United Nations reports along with Congo reports have accused Rwanda of using the unrest as a way of looting the Congolese minerals and metals. The resources include Copper, Gold, Cobalt, and Coltan, which are crucial for manufacturing high-tech devices and electric vehicle batteries. Furthermore, the M24 rebel group has reportedly seized several lucrative mining regions. Additionally, in December, a UN expert report stated that around 120 tonnes of coltan were being smuggled into Rwanda every month.
Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of mineral exploitation. The report also pointed to a sharp rise in its mineral export, which is suspected to originate from the DRC. With sanctions imposed on Rwanda and on M23, sourcing raw materials. Also known as conflict minerals from Rwanda will become increasingly compromising and complicated, according to Salama.
Global Implications and EU’s Stance
Unlike the US, China has greater access to Congo’s mineral wealth, while the European Union has negotiated with Rwanda. The UE gave the green light last year to provide Rwanda with approximately $935 million in exchange for minerals like Tin, Tungsten, and Gold.
EU foreign ministers met and failed to reach a consensus on immediate sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged involvement in the conflict. Fortunately, they signalled a possible reassessment of its raw materials agreement with Rwanda.
Belgium, DRC’s former colonial ruler, signed a separate agreement with the African nation in February 2023. As part of the EU’s broader efforts to secure critical mineral supplies. The deal described Rwanda as a “major player” in the global extraction of Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten, and Gold. While also noting the country’s “potential” in Lithium and rare earth mining.
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