The President of the DRC is proposing a security deal to President Trump, linking military protection to the direct sourcing of the nation’s critical minerals. This initiative comes amidst ongoing issues of resource smuggling to Rwanda, with a call for ethical sourcing practices. The offer is extended to the European Union and all involved in the trade of conflict minerals.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, is proposing a significant partnership with President Donald Trump. This partnership seeks to link the vast mineral resources of the DRC, a leading provider of critical minerals like cobalt, to military protection from the United States. This initiative mirrors a recent arrangement being developed concerning Ukraine.
Tina Salama, a spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, emphasized the dire situation, stating that the United States should engage directly with the DRC, which is the rightful owner of its natural resources. She highlighted the ongoing issues of resource smuggling from the DRC to Rwanda, particularly amid violent conflicts affecting local populations.
The DRC has abundant mining resources, including copper, diamonds, tantalum, tin, gold, and contains over 70 percent of the global cobalt production. Salama further extended the invitation for engagement to the European Union and all parties involved in the smuggling of conflict minerals sourced from Rwanda.
This offer represents a strategic opportunity for the DRC to ensure its minerals are sourced ethically and directly, as opposed to being procured through illicit routes. Salama’s comments underscore the DRC’s commitment to fortifying its economic stability while addressing the humanitarian crises stemming from resource exploitation.
In summary, President Tshisekedi of the DRC is advocating for a security agreement with the United States, emphasizing the need for direct sourcing of minerals from the DRC rather than through smuggling networks. The DRC aims to leverage its mineral wealth for military support while enhancing ethical sourcing and addressing the violence associated with illegal resource extraction. This proposal also seeks to involve the European Union and other stakeholders in fostering a more responsible approach to mineral procurement.
Original Source: www.eenews.net
