Non governmental organizations and civil society groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo are once again pushing for a reassessment of a disputed “minerals for infrastructure” pact with China.
When renegotiated just over a year ago, the deal was hailed as the “contract of the century.” But the watchdog coalition “Congo is not for Sale” insists the agreement remains tilted in favor of the Chinese consortium.
The group warns that the Congolese state faces major financial losses and poor transparency, leaving it at a disadvantage.
First signed in 2008, the deal granted Chinese companies access to vast copper and cobalt deposits in return for infrastructure projects.
The revised agreement was expected to deliver nearly $4 billion in extra benefits for Congo, but critics argue the new terms fail to correct earlier inequalities.
Authorities in Kinshasa, however, maintain the agreement signed last year represents a balanced “win-win” partnership, noting that infrastructure investment has jumped from $3.5 billion to $7.5 billion.
The coalition disagrees, stressing that the Chinese mining company continues to enjoy sweeping tax exemptions costing the Congolese state at least $100 million in lost revenue each year.
