Misleading Claims on DRC President Tshisekedi’s Offer to U.S. and EU

African Hub misquoted DRC President Tshisekedi, falsely claiming he requested U.S. military aid for control over mineral resources. In fact, Tshisekedi’s comments centered on promoting direct purchase of minerals by international companies to address illegal resource trade. His spokesperson emphasized the invitation extends to both American and European buyers, countering claims of military intervention.

African Hub, a prominent X content creator with over 800,000 followers, misrepresented remarks made by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, suggesting that he had requested U.S. military intervention in exchange for control over the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) mineral wealth. This portrayal is misleading, as Tshisekedi’s actual statements during a February 20 interview with The New York Times did not include any proposals for military involvement or offers of control over mineral resources.

In his interview with The New York Times, President Tshisekedi expressed hopes that international pressure against Rwanda, alongside increased investments from Western nations, could bring stability to the DRC, which has been plagued by adverse conflicts. Subsequently, Tina Salama, the DRC’s presidential spokesperson, clarified on her X social media account that President Tshisekedi’s intent was to invite the U.S. to procure strategic raw materials directly from the DRC, rather than through Rwanda, countering claims made by African Hub.

Salama emphasized that Tshisekedi’s invitation extended beyond American companies to European nations and all buyers of the DRC’s resources who currently procure goods through Rwanda. She 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.”

Amid ongoing tensions, the eastern region of the DRC confronts violent uprisings from M23 rebels allegedly supported by Rwanda, controlling vast territories within the nation. Notably, the DRC is abundant in critical minerals, such as coltan and cobalt, essential for industries like electronics and electric vehicles. To further engage, in February 2024, the European Union negotiated a significant agreement facilitating access to minerals, which has since been scrutinized due to accusations of Rwanda’s involvement in exploiting DRC’s resources.

In light of these events, the EU halted its deal with Rwanda and is considering imposing sanctions on Kigali due to its contributions to the ongoing conflict in the DRC. On February 25, the United Kingdom also imposed sanctions against Rwanda, pausing financial support and halting defense training assistance, signaling growing international scrutiny of Rwanda’s role in the DRC’s humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Rwandan official James Kabarebe for his alleged support of the M23 rebels.

In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s remarks were misrepresented, as he did not solicit military assistance nor offer control over the DRC’s resources. His spokesperson clarified that the initiative invites international companies to directly procure minerals from the DRC to combat illegal trade facilitated by Rwandan-backed rebels. The focus remains on addressing the challenges posed by Rwanda in the DRC’s resource management.

Original Source: www.voanews.com