What $7 bn 'minerals-for-infra' pact with China could mean for Democratic Republic of Congo

As President of the DRC since 2019, Tshisekedi represents a resource-rich country in the heart of Africa with a population of nearly 100 million and a GDP per capita of $653.7 (World Bank) as of 2022. He surmised that Russia and China would "come out on top" — a reference to jostling with the West over influence in Africa. New Delhi: Russia and China are "partners coming through the front door" and conduct relations without "arrogance", Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi said in May. Catering to over 70 percent of the global demand of cobalt, the DRC…