Civil Society Calls for Inclusion in DRC–U.S. Mining Talks to Ensure Peace and Shared Prosperity
Speaking at the conclusion of the National Dialogue on Mining Governance in the Context of Conflict in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region, Patient Bashombe, Chief Moderator of the Crisis Committee for Peace and Security in the DRC (CCPS-RDC), welcomed the Congolese government’s decision to negotiate directly with the United States for responsible mining in exchange for peace in conflict-affected regions.
Bashombe, who represents a coalition of civil society organizations, emphasized the need for civil society to be actively involved in all such negotiations.
“We must ensure that civil society participates in these discussions, including ongoing peace processes, so that community interests are reflected in the contracts being signed,” he stated.
He stressed that the DRC’s vast mineral wealth should serve as a diplomatic asset rather than a source of violence.
“We cannot continue dying for our minerals, when instead, we should use them to negotiate win-win agreements that support the development of not only the DRC but the entire region. What we seek is shared prosperity,” Bashombe said.
He further urged those seeking access to the DRC’s resources to engage directly with the Congolese people.
“We want the Congolese people to benefit. Those who want our minerals must come and speak with us—not rely on intermediaries who only bring violence and exploitation. We must view this opportunity positively,” he added.
Meanwhile, the United States reaffirmed its strong position on Rwanda and announced progress in discussions toward a mining agreement with the DRC.
This update followed a regional tour by Massad Boulos, the U.S. State Department’s Senior Advisor for Africa, who addressed the media during a press briefing on Thursday, April 17.
