CONGO: VICTIM OF MAFIA-STYLE RACKETEERING

US President Donald Trump is basking in self-praise for what he describes as his 'wonderful treaty' between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). To others, though, it looks more like a successful Mafia operation.

Among them is Kambale Musavuli, a political analyst at the Center for Research on Congo-Kinshasa. He compares Rwanda to a Mafia associate doing dirty work for the US godfather (‘Don’) by extorting mineral-rich DRC.

Just as the Mafia extends beyond national borders, so Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his close ally, James Kabarebe, support rebel factions in neighbouring DRC.

Kagame, who ascended through Uganda's military intelligence, has a well-documented history of military interventions in the Congo, initially backing Laurent Kabila and later changing allegiances, which contributed to the Second Congo War.

Kabarebe, a former Rwandan general and current minister, notably held the position of Chief of Staff for the Congolese army in the 1990s - despite being a Rwandan citizen. He has been identified as a key figure behind the M23 rebel group and is involved in orchestrating the illegal mineral trade from the DRC.

Rwanda's strategy of supporting the M23 rebels mirrors Mafia-style racketeering and territorial dominance, ultimately benefiting the 'top boss' when the victim (DRC) is forced to pay the boss (Trump) a protection fee (minerals). The M23 rebels have established illegal taxation systems in the areas they control, reportedly generating nearly $1 million per month from mineral operations alone, in addition to taxing other valuable resources, such as charcoal and timber.

Video credit: AfroDominion Media