Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has stated that he would like to see a partnership between his country and the United States, while also addressing the country’s longstanding issues during a recent visit to New York.
Tshisekedi was in New York City on September 22 to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he addressed issues including the conflict in eastern Congo, mineral resource negotiations, and the Congolese genocide. In a press luncheon at Manhattan’s Peninsula Hotel, he emphasized that the DRC stands ready to partner with all nations where it is mutually beneficial.
“I speak of a win-win approach in which the partner who comes to invest should be satisfied with the return on investment, and the host country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, should also be satisfied with the benefits and outcomes generated by these investments,” Tshisekedi said.
In responding to questions about the longstanding fighting between the Democratic of Congo and the M23 gang, he acknowledged the conflict has not been fully resolved, but that he is hopeful it is trending in the right direction.
He also openly praised the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, for facilitating the signing of a Declaration of Principles between the government of the DRC and representatives of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement.
“With just a single phone call, a message I sent asking for his help in guiding us back to the path of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he immediately made himself available, along with his entire government,” said Tshisekedi.
Questions and conversations about the corruption practices of the Congolese government officials occurred, and Tshisekedi acknowledged that it is a real concern. He emphasized that enforcement clauses are the real issue.
“I believe a false impression has been given about these partnerships simply because, when you look at and read the terms of these agreements, even before I became president, during the time of my predecessor, you will find in the bills passed with these multinational companies and others investing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, clauses requiring them to allocate a share of their profits to local communities,” Tshisekedi explained. He said that before his election, not all the partnerships were balanced: Under some, the DRC was only receiving 20% to 30% of the profits.
“That is the kind of imbalance I asked to be corrected,” he said. “Obviously, it is a very difficult exercise, because these are contracts already signed. But we are striving — contract by contract, company by company — to see how they can be rebalanced.”
In addition to enforcement clauses, he believes there should be audits at all levels to make sure that funds received from companies are used appropriately and not kept by individuals.
Tshisekedi said he is still hopeful that a partnership can be brokered with the United States, similar to one signed with China. “I have always said that in Congo, there is room for everyone. As long as, when coming to Congo, one respects the Congolese people, their rights, customs, laws, and traditions, there is absolutely no closed door to anyone.”