Latest news with #Kinshasa
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
China, US in battle for Congo minerals as bid to end war gains momentum
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a wealthy but needy country. And so, when the US offered to boost the country's security in exchange for minerals, some in Kinshasa viewed it as a smaller bill to pay. So far, the US has led the Congo and Rwanda to sign a peace deal and has backed Qatar-led mediation talks between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels. Yet, beyond the search for peace is an ongoing battle for supremacy and control of minerals. In the face of global geopolitical changes, China has flung the transparency card and increasing its investments in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On July 14, Beijing published a White Paper on community development and the responsibility of Chinese mining companies in the DRC, signalling attachment to corporate social responsibility. The document covers 15 mining companies belonging to eight Chinese conglomerates located in the provinces of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba in the DRC. These firms are all involved in the exploitation of copper and cobalt mines as well as the production, smelting and sale of mining products. The White Paper on Community Development and the Responsibility of Chinese Mining Companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo was presented by the Association of Chinese Mining Companies in the DRC. Over the years, Chinese investment has exceeded the $10 billion mark. For China, the leading destination for Congolese mining exports, it is important to demonstrate the transparency of Chinese companies in the Congo at a time when the US is clearly showing its interest in Congolese mines. Data from the Central Bank of Congo shows that DRC exports up to 57.3 percent of its mining products. This figure is growing. In 2019, the Congo exported only 33 percent of its mining products to China. Chen Zhimin, president of the Association of Chinese Mining Companies in the DRC, said the firms have built 1,250 kilometres of roads for DRC, built power stations with a total installed capacity of 480 megawatts, built 21 hospitals that treat 800,000 patients a year, built 54 schools that accommodate 32,000 students, and reclaimed 6,700 hectares of land that reduce CO₂ emissions by 420,000 tonnes per year. He added that a total of $380 million has been invested in community development, $120 million has been invested in livelihood projects, 470 wells have been dug to solve the drinking water problem for 230,000 people, and 18,742 technicians have been trained. These details were provided at a time American companies are preparing to come or return to the Congo to invest in the mining sector and thus challenge Chinese hegemony in the DRC. Recently, American company KoBold Metals signed an agreement with the DRC for the exploitation of lithium. This agreement will be implemented in three key areas: The company is committed to investing in the Congo in the digitisation of geological data, mining using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the development of a lithium mining project located in Manono in the province of Tanganyika, in the southeast of the DRC. Benjamin Katabuka said that KoBold Metals' goal is to hire more Congolese people, train them, pay them and participate in the construction of infrastructure for the well-being of the population. The DRC and KoBold Metals are committed to 'cooperating to provide free public access to historical geoscientific data through the National Geological Service of Congo (SGNC) for the benefit of all,' said to a dispatch.'KoBold Metals will launch a large-scale mining exploration programme in the DRC, using the world's most advanced technologies to find critical mineral deposits that will be developed into world-class mines,' the partnership agreement states.'The economic partnership between the United States of America and the Democratic Republic of the Congo promises sustainable growth, innovation and tangible benefits for Congolese communities,' said Lucy Tamlyn, US Ambassador to the DRC. During the publishing of the White paper the China Mining Association made commitments to the people of the DRC and the international community: Firstly, mining companies pledged to create a 'transparent mining industry' with all their efforts, by continuously deepening technological investments and management innovations, and improving the transparency and credibility of the global supply chain. Thirdly, they are committed to working together to develop a 'responsibility standard' and to study and formulate the 'Guide to Social Responsibility in the Mining Industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo.' This, Beijing said, will not be imposed on the country but will be based on local realities, and 'national conditions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and in line with international development trends,' in order to raise the level of responsibility of the entire industry to a higher level. China and the US have an established diet for minerals and a competition could benefit the DRC, if well managed. Yet, a few years ago, this increasingly visible competition led to heated exchanges and statements between the Chinese ambassador to the DRC and Mike Hammer, the US ambassador to the DRC until 2022. Today, the debate between American and Chinese preferences is taking place among the Congolese. Against the backdrop of war in eastern DRC, punctuated by peace negotiations led by the United States and a forthcoming agreement between the DRC and the United States on mining in Congo, the public here believes that that Washington is helping Congo more than Beijing in this time of crisis. This criticism prompted a response from Zhao Bin, China's ambassador to the DRC: 'The DRC and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement in Washington. This de-escalation is a good thing in itself. However, discordant voices are being raised in public opinion, with some going so far as to say that China is ignoring the DRC while the United States of America is supporting the DRC.'Is this really the case? Our support for the DRC is unwavering. Our position has never been volatile or changed overnight,' said China's ambassador to the DRC, before adding: 'We have neither used the DRC as a bargaining chip for our own ends nor introduced any discriminatory measures against it. China adheres to its own diplomatic principles, such as non-interference in the internal affairs of the DRC, but it has always provided concrete and effective assistance to the DRC in its own way.'Zhao recalled that, as President of the Security Council, China succeeded in getting Resolution 2773 in favour of the DRC unanimously adopted. Although the debate rages on, for the DRC, the issue will be one of diversifying its partners. This is why, in September 2024, the DRC signed a military cooperation agreement with China aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the DRC Armed Forces. In 2024, the DRC and China renegotiated the 2008 'contract of the century' which had given Chinese firms extensive copper and cobalt mines in exchange for infrastructure development. Officials in the DRC said the renegotiated deal would yield some $4 billion in additional benefits for the Congolese per year. Previously, the Chinese had agreed to a $6 billion funding for infrastructure in areas they operate but was heavily criticised after Beijing fell behind the pledge and claims of lack of transparency ensued. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Shaikha Al Nowais meets with President of Congo to explore future partnerships in culture, tourism, and sustainable development
Democratic Republic of the Congo: H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, met with H.E. Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to discuss avenues for future cooperation between UN Tourism and the Congolese government in the areas of culture, tourism, and sustainable development. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships to advance shared priorities, while addressing the challenges facing the cultural sector. Discussions also explored opportunities to elevate the Democratic Republic of Congo's status as a leading cultural and tourism hub in Africa. Her Excellency also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, Congolese Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, during which both sides explored prospects for collaboration aimed at enhancing cultural infrastructure and developing public policies to safeguard intellectual property and promote the rights of artists. The meeting underscored the vital role of culture and tourism in rebuilding national identity and empowering local communities, highlighting the need for inclusive and forward-looking policies in both sectors. World Music and Tourism Festival The meetings took place on the sidelines of H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais's participation in the inaugural edition of the World Music and Tourism Festival, organised by the Congolese Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the UN Tourism in Kinshasa. The Festival's aim is to support sustainable cultural and tourism policies and highlight the role of music and the arts in promoting intercultural dialogue through diverse tourism and cultural activities. Held under the theme 'The Rumba Route for Peace,' the Festival brought together prominent cultural leaders and tourism policymakers from around the globe, along with African artists and creative institutions. It featured live musical performances, high-level institutional dialogues, and field visits, serving as an unprecedented international platform that blends culture, tourism, and community development. Significance of culture and music in creating tourism opportunities H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais emphasized that music serves as a universal language that fosters understanding, tolerance, and solidarity among cultures. She underscored the vital role of investment in cultural and creative industries as powerful drivers of social and economic empowerment, particularly for youth. Her Excellency also noted that music transcends borders and reflects shared human values, making it a powerful tool for promoting cultural awareness and unlocking sustainable tourism opportunities across continents. 'Musical Villages Across Continents' initiative During her participation in the festival, H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais announced an international initiative titled 'Musical Villages Across Continents,' set to officially launch in 2026. The initiative aims to establish creative community centres in both Africa and Latin America to nurture local musical talent, promote cultural exchange, and encourage the creative economy in both rural and urban communities, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Roundtable on tourism as a tool for cultural diplomacy H.E. participated in a high-level roundtable discussion titled 'Transatlantic Rhythms for Peace: Advancing Advocacy and Policy Strategies for International Connections.' It brought together ministers and international policymakers from Africa, Latin America, and Asia to discuss the growing role of music tourism as a tool for cultural diplomacy, peace-building, and equitable development. Participants included H.E. M'pambia Musanga Didier, Minister of Tourism of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and H.E. Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of the Republic of Ghana. Visit to the Symphony Orchestra School On the sidelines of her participation in the festival, H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais visited the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra School, where she met with young musicians and learned about the school's training and arts academic programs. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China faces off against US for domination of the DR Congo's critical minerals industry
After years of largely unchallenged control over the DR Congo's critical minerals, China now faces growing US competition – a battle that Beijing is determined to win. The US reportedly pressured the Democratic Republic of Congo last year to block a Chinese firm from acquiring Chemaf Resources. Now, a US consortium – including firms led by ex-military executives – has bid for the operator of the Etoile copper-cobalt mine. Meanwhile, KoBold Metals, backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos , secured a deal with the DR Congo to explore the Manono lithium deposit, despite an ongoing legal dispute with Australia 's AVZ Minerals. The deals come shortly after a US-brokered 'minerals-for-security' agreement between the DR Congo and Rwanda, signed last month to help end the decades-long conflict in the eastern Congo. It aims to secure peace and stability, and in return the United States and its companies will gain access to critical minerals essential for the green energy transition and advanced technologies. However, Joseph Cihunda, who teaches law at the University of Kinshasa, said the Congolese government was trying to balance relations to avoid becoming a battleground between China and the US, even if Washington sought to escalate competition. 'Even in Congolese public opinion, they do not want such a confrontation,' Cihunda said.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
DR Congo tries ex-president Joseph Kabila in absentia for treason
Former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila went on trial in absentia Friday on charges including treason over his alleged support for Rwanda-backed militants. The trial of Kabila, who returned to live in Goma in May this year, began on Friday at a military court in the Gombe district of the capital Kinshasa. The former president faces charges of plotting to overthrow the government of President Felix Tshisekedi – which could result in a death sentence – as well as homicide, torture and rape linked to the anti-government force M23. Other charges include "taking part in an insurrection movement", "crime against the peace and safety of humanity" and "forcible occupation of the city of Goma". Kabila denies the charges, did not appear at the hearing and has asked to be tried in absentia. He returned to Goma in May, following two years of self-imposed exile in South Africa, after M23 rebels took control of the city in January. According to the charge sheet, seen by France's AFP news agency, Kabila allegedly helped form the Congo River Alliance (AFC) – the M23's political wing. He's accused of colluding with Rwanda to try to "overthrow by force the power established by law". Kabila's successor, President Tshisekedi, has branded him the brains behind the rebel movement, which has seized swathes of the resource-rich Congolese east with Rwanda's help. The militia and the government signed a pledge in July to seek a permanent ceasefire. Congo Hold-Up: on the trail of Joseph Kabila's mystery company 'Political' trial Emmanuel Shadari, secretary-general of Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), dismissed the trial as "political" arguing it would "divide the Congolese people" during peace negotiations. The proceeding "is anything but a fair trial. With a justice system that is not independent, the conviction is already decided – the rest is theatre, a ridiculous staging," Shadari said. Deputy Justice Minister Samuel Mbemba told reporters at the hearing: "The courts do not negotiate, they will do their work independently." M23 and AFC leaders deny any affiliation with the former president. Benjamin Mbonimpa, the groups' executive secretary, said that the government should not "label him an AFC/M23 member" just because he had come to the city. He branded the trial part of a "malevolent strategy" against the ex-president. Kabila, 54, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, has rejected the trial as "arbitrary" and accused the judiciary of acting as "an instrument of oppression". The Senate lifted his immunity as senator for life to allow the case to proceed. Former DR Congo president Kabila loses immunity over alleged M23 rebel ties The hearing was adjourned after several hours to 31 July, following a request by prosecutors for extra time to review documents. Eastern DRC has endured armed conflict for decades, with violence escalating since M23's resurgence in 2021. Rwanda denies military support for the group, though UN experts say its army has played a "critical" role in M23's operations. The DRC lifted a moratorium on the death penalty last year but no judicial executions have been carried out since. From 1960 to present day, 11 dates that explain the conflict in the DRC (with newswires)
France 24
6 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
DR Congo ex-leader Joseph Kabila goes on trial for treason
Democratic Republic of Congo 's ex-leader Joseph Kabila went on trial in absentia Friday on charges including treason over alleged support for Rwanda-backed militants, an AFP reporter at the court said. He stands accused at a military court in Kinshasa of plotting to overthrow the government of President Felix Tshisekedi – a charge that could carry a death sentence. He faces charges including homicide, torture and rape linked to the anti-government force M23, the charge sheet said. Other charges include "taking part in an insurrection movement", "crime against the peace and safety of humanity" and "forcible occupation of the city of Goma". Kabila arrived in May in that eastern city, seized by the M23 in January before it and the government in July signed a pledge to seek a permanent ceasefire. DR Congo: Fears of renewed violence grow as fighting erupts again 01:51 The court opened his trial at 1020 GMT in the Gombe district of the capital. Kabila's successor as president, Tshisekedi, has branded him the brains behind the armed group, which has seized swathes of the resource-rich Congolese east with Rwanda 's help. The charge sheet seen by AFP described him as "one of the initiators of the Congo River Alliance", the M23's political arm. He has been accused of colluding with Rwanda to try to overthrow Tshisekedi by force. The charge sheet accused him of being responsible for atrocities committed by the movement in North and South Kivu provinces in the mineral-rich east. Rwanda denies providing military backing to the M23, but UN experts say its army played a "critical" role in the group's offensive in that region. Kabila, 54, took power following his father Laurent Kabila's assassination in 2001 and governed DRC until 2019, before leaving the country in 2023. He has branded his successor's government a "dictatorship". Kabila has rejected the case as "arbitrary" and called the courts "an instrument of oppression". The upper house of the legislature lifted his immunity as senator for life to allow his prosecution. For more than three decades, eastern DRC has been ravaged by conflict between various armed groups. The unrest has intensified since the M23's resurgence in 2021. DRC lifted a moratorium on the death penalty last year but no judicial executions have been carried out since.
