African Hub misquoted DRC President Tshisekedi regarding U.S. military intervention for mineral resource control. In reality, Tshisekedi invited international companies to purchase DRC minerals directly. His spokesperson emphasized this offer was also available to European countries. In response to allegations against Rwanda, the UK and EU have enacted sanctions and paused aid to Rwanda.
African Hub, a prominent influencer on X with over 800,000 followers, misrepresented remarks made by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi regarding the country’s mineral resources in a viral post. The misinformation stemmed from an interview Tshisekedi conducted with The New York Times on February 20, during which he did not request U.S. military intervention or offer control over DRC’s mineral wealth. Rather, Tshisekedi expressed hope for international pressure on Rwanda and investments from Western nations to stabilize the DRC amid ongoing conflict.
In a clarification posted on X on February 23, Tina Salama, the DRC presidential spokesperson, stated, “Setting the record straight: President Tshisekedi invites the USA, whose companies source strategic raw materials from Rwanda — materials looted from the DRC and smuggled through Rwanda while our populations are massacred — to purchase them directly from us, the rightful owners.” This statement directly contradicted African Hub’s claims and emphasized Tshisekedi’s intent to ensure fairness in resource dealings.
The eastern DRC is currently embroiled in conflict, largely due to the activities of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who control extensive territories. The DRC is endowed with valuable minerals such as coltan and cobalt, essential for industries like electronics and electric vehicles. Upon further examination, Salama reiterated that Tshisekedi’s offer extended not solely to the United States but also to European nations, saying, “And it’s not just the Americans, it’s also offered to Europeans and all the receivers of our resources who get their supplies from Rwanda.”
Additionally, recent developments include the European Union’s agreement on a $935 million deal with Rwanda for access to minerals including tin, tungsten, and gold. President Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of exploiting DRC’s resources through the M23 rebels and highlighted the complicity of European engagement in this illicit trade. In response, the European Union has halted its deal with Rwanda to deliberate sanctions against Kigali for its actions in the DRC conflict.
On February 25, the United Kingdom also instituted sanctions on Rwanda and suspended financial aid, amplifying international pressure on the Rwandan government. This decision included the suspension of defense training assistance and a review of export licenses concerning the Rwandan Defense Force. Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury Department enacted sanctions against James Kabarebe, a Rwandan official alleged to facilitate support for the M23 rebels.
In summary, President Tshisekedi of the DRC did not seek military intervention from the United States nor offer control over the country’s natural resources. His invitation for international companies to procure minerals directly aimed at addressing illegal trades facilitated by Rwanda’s M23 rebels. The spokesperson for the president underscored that this initiative was inclusive of multiple international stakeholders. Recent sanctions against Rwanda further indicate a growing international commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis in the DRC.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
