DR Congo Roundup: $7 billion investments, flight suspension, M23 rebels

Tshisekedi chooses Russia and China over the USA

DRC President Tshisekedi has rated Russia and China over Western countries in transparency and ease of business. He feels they treat the DRC with more respect and clear intentions. A recent survey showed China and Russia have a better approval rating in Africa than the United States, Nairametrics reports. Western critics have accused China of trying to colonise Africa, but China denies this. Congo is a major producer of cobalt and copper, and Chinese companies dominate its mining sector. Chinese companies have invested up to $7 billion in Congo's mining infrastructure.

Kenya Airways flight suspension raises fears of airfare hike

Kenya Airways' decision to suspend services to Kinshasa has led to a shortage of airline seats in the Democratic Republic of Congo, potentially increasing airfare. As reported by The Monitor, the exit of KQ, one of only two airlines serving the Congolese capital, has diminished eastbound airline seat capacity by a third. Ethiopian Airlines is now the main provider of seats while Uganda Airlines lacks the flexibility to meet the demand. The reduction in connections to East Africa is further exacerbated by the DRC's barring of RwandAir from its airspace. The KQ exit follows the detention of its staff by the DRC military over an $8 million currency shipment, raising questions about Kenyan involvement in local politics. The situation also highlights the DRC's slow integration into the East African Community and its ongoing tensions with EAC neighbours.

$7 billion investments

Congo has signed a $7 billion deal with China for infrastructure investments. According to Mining Weekly, the agreement depends on the price of copper remaining high. The deal includes the construction of roads and is financed by Sicomines' profits. If copper prices fall, the financing for infrastructure projects will cease. Congo has also committed to publishing all mining contracts as part of a three-year programme with the International Monetary Fund.

Judiciary inquiry against Cardinal

Prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of Congo have initiated a judicial inquiry against one of the country's most prominent religious figures, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo. The Cardinal, who is the Archbishop of Kinshasa and considered a key advisor to Pope Francis, has been accused of making "seditious comments" during his Easter Mass, reports Africanews. Cardinal Ambongo's remarks, which highlighted the ongoing insecurity in the eastern regions of the DRC where the army is engaged in conflict with the M23 rebels, have been interpreted by prosecutors as incitement. They argue that his statements could demoralise soldiers and embolden the rebels. This region has been a hotspot for violence, leading to the displacement of nearly two million people since the end of 2021.

Fight against M23 rebels

SAMIDRC, the South Africa-led SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is planning an armed operation to reopen humanitarian corridors that were blocked by M23 rebels. According to News24, on Friday, May 3, rebel forces shelled two civilian camps near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, causing injuries to at least 30 civilians and claiming the lives of 16 people. This violence led to significant displacement of the population, disrupted supply routes to Goma, and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, SAMIDRC reported. The attacks also obstructed crucial routes into Goma in the eastern region of DRC.