The DRC is proposing to the United States a security deal involving its critical minerals, challenging the current smuggling routes through Rwanda. This initiative, led by President Tshisekedi, aims to foster military protection in exchange for direct acquisition of resources by U.S. companies and the European Union.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), renowned for its vast reserves of precious minerals, is seeking to secure a partnership with the United States akin to the defense arrangements currently under discussion regarding Ukraine. President Félix Tshisekedi aims to connect the nation’s invaluable raw materials supply with military protection from the U.S. government.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for Tshisekedi, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the U.S. should obtain strategic materials directly from the Congolese, rather than indirectly through Rwanda, where these resources are allegedly sourced through illicit means. “President Tshisekedi invites the USA, whose companies source strategic raw materials from Rwanda, materials that are looted from the DRC and smuggled to Rwanda while our populations are massacred, to purchase them directly from us the rightful owners,” Salama remarked.
The DRC boasts significant mining operations that produce various essential minerals, including copper, diamonds, tantalum, tin, gold, and more than 70 percent of the global cobalt extraction. Salama extended the invitation not just to the United States but to European nations as well, hoping to deter the sourcing of conflict-associated materials from Rwanda. “And it’s not just for the USA. The offer is also extended to Europeans and to all parties involved in sourcing smuggled, blood-stained raw materials from Rwanda,” she noted.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is advocating for a direct partnership with the United States to exchange critical minerals for military support, echoing a strategy observed in the situation with Ukraine. This proposal aims to thwart the smuggling of resources that are depriving the country of valuable assets while calling upon Western nations to engage directly with the DRC to ensure ethical sourcing of minerals.
Original Source: www.eenews.net
