339 likes, 14 comments - congofriends on January 23, 2026: "A collective of lawyers and human rights defenders (including the A.N.V.C and FIFA-D.H) has officially filed a petition with the Constitutional Court to declare the mining agreement signed with the United States on Dec 4, 2025, unconstitutional. Why are they suing? Here are the key arguments: US Veto Power: The agreement establishes a “Joint Steering Committee” that operates by consensus. Petitioners argue this gives the US a de facto veto over Congolese mining projects, alienating our permanent sovereignty over natural resources. Violation of African Unity: Article 217 of the Constitution only allows a loss of sovereignty to promote African Unity. This deal hands power to an extra-continental power (the USA), which is constitutionally forbidden. “VIP” Treatment for Americans: The deal creates a “One-Stop Shop” and tax incentives exclusively for “American persons,” violating Article 12 on equality before the law. Secret Deal: The agreement was signed without a referendum or proper Parliamentary oversight, leaving the Congolese people (the primary sovereigns) in the dark about the future of their own land. The petitioners are asking the Court to declare this agreement null and void to protect the national heritage. To learn more please visit freecongo.org #DRC #Congo #Sovereignty #Cobalt #Mining #HumanRights #Constitution #Justice #Kinshasa #FreeCongo #StrategicMinerals".