Have you ever heard of the famous “contract of the century” between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chinese companies concerning the exploitation of copper and cobalt mines? This contract, negotiated under the presidency of Joseph Kabila in 2008, was recently renegotiated for the greatest benefit of the country.
The Congolese authorities managed to obtain nearly 6 billion additional dollars from the Chinese side following these negotiations. A significant step forward which was welcomed by civil society. However, the latter is now calling on the courts to act against the individuals involved in the mismanagement of the contract in the past, accusing them of having enriched themselves illegally.
According to Jean-Claude Katende, president of the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights (Asadho), it is imperative that these personalities be held responsible for their actions and report to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unfortunately, the Congolese justice system seems not to react to these accusations, leaving a feeling of impunity.
This is why the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights is launching a campaign against impunity around natural resources, urging the Congolese justice system to act and fully assume its role as guarantor of legality. It is crucial that those responsible for overbilling and other embezzlement linked to this Chinese contract are arrested and judged for their actions.
This case once again highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the mining sector in the DRC, and highlights the need for responsible management of natural resources for the well-being of the Congolese population and the development of the country.
In conclusion, the revision of the “contract of the century” is a positive step forward, but it is essential that those responsible for past mismanagement are held accountable in order to ensure better governance of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo.