Yaounde, Cameroon – (African Boulevard News) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are finalising a multi-billion-dollar deal that would involve major mining projects and a possible military component. President Felix Tshisekedi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commonly referred to as MbZ, have been in secret negotiations for months, and sources say the deal could be announced soon.
According to Africaintelligence.com, Tshisekedi and MbZ finalised the arms and mines deals during their secret meetings. The deals focus on developing mining and drilling projects in the DRC’s vast mineral-rich areas, as well as the sale of military equipment. The exact details of the deals have not been disclosed, but sources claim that the agreement is set to be the largest between the two countries.
The DRC, which is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, has been seeking foreign investment to improve its mining industry and establish stronger economic ties with the UAE. The country has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and is in dire need of foreign investment to boost its economy.
The UAE, on the other hand, has been seeking to expand its influence in Africa, and the DRC offers immense opportunities for investment and strategic partnerships. The country has been involved in multiple infrastructure projects across Africa, including ports, airports, and hospitals.
The deal is set to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, which was established in 1974. It would also help to stabilise the DRC and improve security in the country, which has been plagued by conflicts and violence for decades.
However, the deal has also raised concerns among human rights groups, who fear that the sale of military equipment to the DRC could be used to suppress dissent and human rights violations. The country has a long history of violence against civilians, and there are fears that the weapons could be used against innocent people.
In conclusion, the potential arms and mines deals between the DRC and the UAE could have significant economic and strategic benefits for both countries. Still, it is essential to ensure that the human rights of the DRC’s citizens are protected in the process. As the negotiations continue, the world watches with bated breath to see the results of the talks between Tshisekedi and MbZ.
