The President of the DRC is proposing a strategic security deal to the United States that connects its abundant mineral resources with military protection. This initiative follows a similar agreement with Ukraine and seeks to combat the illicit sourcing of these minerals through Rwanda. The proposal is extended to Europe and highlights the DRC’s significant role in global cobalt production.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is the leading global supplier of critical minerals, is proposing a strategic deal to President Donald Trump. This initiative aims to connect the DRC’s valuable raw materials to military protection, following a precedent set by Ukraine.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, emphasized that the United States should engage with the DRC directly, as it is the rightful owner of the resources currently being sourced through Rwanda, where they are reportedly looted and smuggled amid ongoing violence against its populace.
Salama also stated that this offer is open not only to the United States but also to the European Union and other involved parties. By purchasing directly from the DRC, they would be supporting legitimate sourcing instead of continuing to engage with smuggled and conflict-tainted materials originating from Rwanda.
The DRC boasts a robust mining industry that encompasses copper, diamonds, tantalum, tin, gold, and produces over 70 percent of the world’s cobalt. This highlight reflects the strategic importance of the DRC in global mineral supply chains and its potential leverage in international relations.
In summary, President Tshisekedi’s proposal seeks to establish a direct procurement relationship between the DRC and nations like the United States and the European Union. This approach aims to curb the illicit trade stemming from Rwanda while ensuring military support for the DRC. The offer underscores the nation’s vital role in the extraction of critical raw materials, particularly cobalt, essential for various industries.
Original Source: www.eenews.net
