The President of the DRC proposes a security deal with the U.S. linking military protection to direct procurement of minerals, aiming to combat the illegal trade of resources currently flowing through Rwanda and ensuring the rightful owners benefit.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which plays a crucial role in supplying essential minerals globally, has proposed to President Donald Trump a security arrangement that would link the nation’s mineral wealth to military protection. This proposition mirrors a similar agreement developing with regard to Ukraine.
Tina Salama, a spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, emphasized the situation’s urgency, stating that the United States should source vital raw materials from the DRC directly. Salama highlighted the illegitimate trade routes through which these resources are currently siphoned to Rwanda, where they are obtained under conditions that exploit Congo’s populace.
She further remarked that the outreach is not limited to the U.S., but also extends to the European Union and other stakeholders involved in the procurement of illegally sourced resources.
The DRC boasts significant mining operations producing a variety of resources, particularly copper, diamonds, tantalum, tin, gold, and more than 70% of the world’s cobalt. The proposal aims to redirect these resources towards legitimate channels while upholding human rights and economic equity.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo is proactively seeking to establish a defense-related agreement with the United States, emphasizing its position as a key supplier of critical minerals. The move is intended to combat the current practices of resource theft and exploitation while ensuring that the rightful owners benefit from their natural wealth. This initiative calls for support not only from the U.S. but also from European partners.
Original Source: www.eenews.net
