Citizens’ Forum Criticizes DRC’s Handling of Mineral Resources at China-Africa Cooperation Forum
During the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing from September 3 to 6, the Citizens’ Forum in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) strongly criticized the Congolese delegation’s approach, accusing it of compromising the nation’s mineral resources in favor of China.
Forum Citoyen, a coalition of several Congolese civil society organizations, expressed disappointment in the delegation’s failure to protect the country’s interests.
Central to their concerns is Amendment 5 of the Sicomines contract, signed last March, which they claim has led to massive losses for the DRC—estimated at over $84 billion in tax exemptions.
The platform argues that this amendment further entrenches the exploitation of Congolese mining resources for China’s benefit.
“Congolese leaders missed a crucial opportunity to rebalance this partnership,” lamented Martin Miloło, coordinator of Forum Citoyen. “Instead, they chose to maintain the status quo, disadvantaging the Congolese people.”
The organization is calling on the President of the Republic to intervene and demand a revision of Amendment 5. “The Head of State is responsible for these agreements, and he must take action,” emphasized Miloło.
The controversy surrounding this amendment also raises broader concerns about the nature of Africa-China relations, often portrayed as mutually beneficial but increasingly scrutinized for potential inequalities and economic dependence.
