President Tshisekedi Raises Concerns Over EU-Rwanda Mining Agreement
During a book presentation at the Collège des Bernardins in Paris, President Félix Tshisekedi voiced strong criticism against a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on critical raw materials signed between Rwanda and the European Union.
The event, held on April 29, showcased Tshisekedi’s book “For a Congo Found,” which outlines his vision for a sovereign and prosperous Congo.
Tshisekedi expressed appreciation for France’s support in stabilizing the Great Lakes region but expressed confusion over the EU’s decision to engage in mining partnerships with Rwanda.
He emphasized concerns that such partnerships indirectly support aggressors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who seek to exploit the country’s mineral resources.
Highlighting the importance of traceability and the provenance of minerals, Tshisekedi opposed the EU-Rwanda agreement, arguing that it poses a threat to the sovereignty and stability of the region.
He criticized external support for rebel groups like the M23 operating in the eastern DRC, attributing their actions to the desire for Congolese minerals.
The European Union, represented by Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs, defended the agreement, stating its aim to improve transparency and combat illegal trafficking of minerals.
However, Tshisekedi’s concerns, echoed by civil society organizations, remain unresolved, underscoring the complexity of regional dynamics and the challenges facing the DRC.
