In a bold statement, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has called on the United States to directly purchase raw materials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He emphasized that the DRC is the “true owner” of its valuable resources, urging the US to bypass Rwanda, which he accused of exploiting Congolese assets through violence.
Tshisekedi’s plea came after the Trump administration’s revelations on resource misappropriations, exposing hidden practices that have persisted for decades. Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama shared this message, noting that the offer was not limited to the US but also extended to European nations and other countries purchasing materials from Rwanda.
She further warned that acquiring “stolen goods” would become increasingly problematic, urging global buyers to reconsider their supply chains. This statement follows recent US sanctions against Rwanda’s State Minister for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and M23 spokespersons for their roles in exacerbating the conflict in eastern DRC.
The M23, an armed group in eastern DRC, has intensified its campaign since resurfacing in late 2021. The group captured the city of Bukavu after taking Goma in January, leading to devastating consequences. Over 3,000 lives have been lost, and thousands more have been displaced as violence escalates.
The DRC government has long accused Rwanda of backing the M23 insurgents, allegedly deploying troops to support the rebels. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, further deepening the tension between the two nations.
