In a recent plenary session of the Congolese Parliament, Speaker Vital Kamerhe made headlines when he accused senior personalities of the Tshisekedi regime of being involved in looting DRC’s mineral wealth, particularly in eastern regions (i.e the areas most ravaged by conflict).
Among those that Kamerhe accused are members of Tshisekedi’s presidential guards, generals of the army (FARDC), and senior most police officials. The accusation was an astonishing act of daring on Kamerhe’s part, much as what he was saying (that the Tshisekedi government is nothing but a band of looters and grabbers) is no secret.
In other words, Tshisekedi, the overall authority, is the chief looter and grabber!
Kamerhe talked about the heavy presence of Chinese and Somali individuals at various mining sites in the DRC, which he disclosed operate under the protection of the Republican Guard, FARDC, and local police. The DRC Parliament Speaker further revealed that certain generals have been authorizing access to mineral sites, directly benefiting from the illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
This bold statement implicates Tshisekedi himself, as the Republican Guard is a direct extension of the presidency, tasked with protecting him, his family, and his assets.
Kamerhe’s accusations imply a close connection between Tshisekedi and the savagr exploitation of the DRC’s resources, putting the lie to Tshisekedi regime allegations against other countries (that they are “stealing Congo’s minerals).
In fact, three non-governmental organizations in Katanga recently accused Tshisekedi and his wife Denise Nyakeru of being heavily involved in illegal mineral extraction activities in Katanga. According to these NGOs, Chinese investors have played a significant role in this scheme, working in collaboration with high-ranking Congolese that report directly to Tshisekedi and his wife.
For years, the Tshisekedi regime has been slandering Rwanda with accusations of “theft of DRC minerals.” To any unbiased observer however, it was always obvious that the real looters are in Kinshasa, and Rwanda always has been their scapegoat.
In the East, FARDC soldiers are often seen working with militiamen from local and foreign armed groups, including the genocidal FDLR. Other FARDC officers in the East of the DRC have their (irregular) mining activities going on.
In South Kivu, Maniema, North Kivu and Ituri, mines are the cake that’s divided between the military and all sorts of criminal militias (which act with the blessing of Tshisekedi). Vehicles belonging to the FARDC are often seen hauling minerals away.
This regime of thugs can always smear Rwanda with lies, accusing Kigali of crimes of which they themselves are the culprits.
But these lies won’t last forever.
ellenkampire