Kibeya on that anti corruption committee makes me feel like we're living in some demented alternate reality.
Seems like our problems within the DRC government run pretty deep.
How that prick isn't in Jail or sacked at the very least is incomprehensible.
And this all happens after the supposed leaked US document which I've posted before but amidst the chaos we've just endured so some may have missed it:
View attachment 87164
Here's a summary of the attached document generated by the AI assistant in acrobat reader:
Translate:
The document discusses identified conflicts of interest within the Congolese negotiation team during confidential talks between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding an agreement on essential minerals. Key points include:
General Context
On April 3, 2025, in Kinshasa, Massad Boulos, senior advisor for Africa at the U.S. State Department and special envoy of President Trump, met with Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the DRC. Both parties expressed a mutual desire to strengthen economic relations. Boulos announced that a preliminary agreement had been reached on a strategic framework between the two countries, prioritizing diplomatic and industrial collaboration.
Identified Conflicts of Interest
Three individuals within the Congolese negotiation team raise serious concerns:
Patrick Mpoyi Luabeya
Special envoy of President Tshisekedi, advisor, and director of Sino-Congolaise des Mines (Sicomines SA), largely owned by Chinese companies.
Holds indirect interests in Chinese mining projects and has been involved in negotiations with Dan Gertler, under U.S. sanctions.
Major risk: structural conflict of interest with Chinese strategic interests and potential disclosure of sensitive information to Beijing.
Lisette Kabanga Tshibwabwa
Chairwoman of Cominière SA, linked to a controversial transaction favoring Zijin Mining (China) over AVZ Minerals.
Allegedly facilitated illegal acquisition of exploration permits and pressured the Mines Minister to issue exploitation permits to Chinese entities.
Her financial ties to Chinese interests pose risks of obstruction and manipulation in negotiations.
Célestin Kibeya
Director General of Cominière SA, involved in the illegal sale of Cominière’s stake in Dathcom Mining to Zijin, violating AVZ Minerals’ preemption rights.
Arrested in 2022 for corruption, undermining his credibility.
Strategic Questions for the U.S.
The lithium deposits in Manono and other assets are critical for U.S. supply chains. Resolving disputes between AVZ Minerals and Cominière over exploration permits is essential for advancing the agreement and attracting investments.
Risks of Status Quo
Disclosure of sensitive information to Chinese competitors.
Strategic obstruction of agreements with Western actors.
Damage to U.S. credibility if individuals suspected of corruption remain involved.
Operational Recommendations
Official Request for Replacement
The U.S. should recommend replacing individuals suspected of conflicts of interest or corruption.
Neutral and Credible Representatives
The Congolese side should appoint independent representatives unaffiliated with foreign interests, especially Chinese.
Enhanced Oversight
Establish a joint ethical and strategic review mechanism to prevent undue influence.
Diplomatic Conditionality
U.S. support for the agreement should be contingent on good governance, including the return of exploration permits to Dathcom Mining.
Conclusion
The DRC is a strategic partner for the U.S. in securing essential mineral supply chains. Success depends on institutional reliability, clear commitments, and stakeholder integrity. It is counterproductive to have individuals influenced by competing interests, particularly China, leading critical negotiations.
Authored by Nathanaël Huri, Independent Business Journalist/USA-Africa.
