Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has called on the US to buy strategic raw materials directly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) instead of Rwanda, accusing Rwanda of illegally exploiting Congolese resources through conflict.
In a statement shared on social media by presidential spokesperson Tina Salama, Tshisekedi stressed that the DRC is the rightful owner of these resources and that their true origins are now being revealed. He noted that the issue, which had been kept secret for three decades, was recently brought to light by the Trump administration.
Salama warned that the offer had been extended to European countries and other buyers currently sourcing from Rwanda, and that trade in illegally obtained materials would become increasingly difficult.
The statement follows recent US sanctions against Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe and the spokesperson for M23 over their alleged role in escalating violence in eastern Congo.
The M23 rebel group, which resurfaced in 2021, intensified its offensive by capturing Bukavu last week after capturing Goma in January. The ongoing conflict has left at least 3,000 people dead, including peacekeepers, and displaced thousands more. Reports suggest the rebels are now advancing toward Uvira, less than 30 kilometers from Burundi’s economic hub, Bujumbura.
The Congolese government has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels and deploying troops in eastern DRC, allegations Kigali has consistently denied.