DR Congo Cracks Down on Companies Funding Eastern Conflict with Mineral Purchases
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking a hard line against companies profiting from the country’s mineral wealth, specifically targeting those sourcing materials from the war-torn eastern region. The move comes as smuggling fuels a humanitarian crisis and undermines peace efforts, Bloomberg reports.
Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner declared that the government is investigating companies suspected of buying minerals linked to violence and smuggled through neighboring Rwanda. While declining to name specific companies, she confirmed that Apple Inc. has already been warned about its potential involvement.
Eastern Congo’s abundant mineral resources, including tantalum, a key component in electronics, have fueled decades of conflict. The region has become a hotbed for armed groups, including the M23 rebel group, which seized control of the Rubaya mine, the country’s largest tantalum source, earlier this year.
The UN has linked the M23’s activities to Rwandan government support, a claim Rwanda denies. A UN expert group has deemed minerals extracted from Rubaya ineligible for trade due to their connection to violence.
Despite Apple’s claims of due diligence in its supply chain, the DRC’s investigation highlights the complexities of ensuring ethically sourced minerals. The conflict in eastern Congo has resulted in over 6 million displaced people, exacerbating the country’s response to a mpox outbreak.
Peace talks between Congo and Rwanda are progressing slowly under the auspices of Angola, with US support. However, Congo is calling for sanctions against Rwandan leaders for their alleged role in the conflict.
