Tshisekedi offers minerals for peace in DRC
President Felix Tshisekedi in his first interview since the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group seized large portions of territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this year, extended an invitation to the United States and Europe to invest in the country’s vast mineral wealth. This sector which is currently dominated by China is rich in resources critical for global technology and energy including cobalt and coltan.
Congo, viewed as one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources accounts for a significant share of the world’s coltan, essential for smartphones and computers and possesses over half of the world’s cobalt reserves, crucial for electric vehicles. President Tshisekedi sees the potential for major investments to bolster his country’s security and stability amidst ongoing conflict which he likened to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The president criticized existing European negotiations with Rwanda, describing a £935 million agreement that grants access to minerals like tin, tungsten, and gold as “an absolute scandal,” asserting that those minerals are being “plundered” from Congo. The European Union, however, contends that this arrangement will foster better regulation of conflict materials. Recently, the European Parliament called for the suspension of the deal until Rwanda ends its interference in Congo.
The M23 armed group, comprised of approximately 8,000 fighters allegedly backed by Rwanda has killed thousands and captured strategic locations including major cities Goma and Bukavu since launching its offensive earlier this year. In response to the escalating violence, the U.S. imposed sanctions on an M23 spokesman and a Rwandan minister.
From Kinshasa, Tshisekedi expressed frustration about the stalled peace talks, stating he refuses to negotiate directly with M23, which he views as a proxy for the Rwandan military. “M23 is an empty shell,” he said emphasizing that dialogues should be held directly with Rwanda. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denied any connection to M23 and labeled Tshisekedi’s accusations as a “tired story.”
The situation remains delicate, with the U.S. warning of the risk of a broader regional war, especially following M23’s recent military advances toward Butembo and ambitions reportedly aimed at Kinshasa. Tshisekedi has vowed to reclaim Goma “either through dialogue or military reconquest.”
In light of the crisis, Tshisekedi highlighted that the Trump administration had expressed interest in securing a direct supply of strategic minerals from Congo. He also mentioned potential investments in significant projects, such as a megadam that could become the world’s largest hydroelectric plant, indicating a keenness for international partnerships to bolster his nation amid the ongoing conflict.
