Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has weighed in on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) recent decision to seek US support in exchange for access to its vast mineral resources, warning that such a move comes with significant consequences.
Professor Akinyemi cautioned that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s decision to seek US support in exchange for its resources is a calculated strategy, but it comes with inevitable consequences.
He pointed out, such agreements rarely guarantee a fair bargain, particularly when the primary objective is to curb the M23 insurgency.
“This is a strategic move by the government of the DRC, but of course, there will always be a price. You don’t hand over your resources and expect a fair bargain, especially when your main concern is stopping the M23.”
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Prof Akinyemi drew historical parallels, stating that “history is repeating itself,” as the Congo, once the private property of the King of Belgium, finds itself once again offering its resources in exchange for security.
“Now, almost 200 years later, we are back to the same situation—this time, with the country offering its resources in exchange for security,” he said.
The former minister attributed the crisis to the actions of Rwanda’s president, whom he described as the main supporter of the M23 rebel group.
“The real blame for this mess and the disgrace Africa is about to face lies with the president of Rwanda, who is the main supporter of M23,” he stated.
Despite previous efforts by African nations—including Angola, Uganda, and the East African security community—to address the security crisis, Akinyemi noted that they had been unsuccessful in curbing the rebel activities. This, he argued, led the Congolese government to turn to a major global power for assistance.
“So now, the government of the DRC has concluded that it needs a major power. And who is the new sheriff in town? It is Trump, who can now guarantee security in exchange for resources,” he remarked.
He further noted that foreign exploitation of the DRC’s resources is not new but has largely been conducted by private companies.
“The Congo has been exploited for a long time. The difference now is that, previously, it was private companies going after its minerals. Now, the Congolese government itself is offering these resources to the United States, perhaps in an attempt to consolidate control over them,” he explained.
Akinyemi expressed hope that the US intervention would help not only in curbing the activities of private firms that have long exploited the DRC’s resources but also in addressing the M23 insurgency.
“Hopefully, the US will not only curb the activities of private companies that have been exploiting the Congo but will also help drive back the M23 into Rwanda,” he concluded.
