The travails of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) didn’t start in 2023 – the African country has had persistent problems for decades. Sitting on a large deposit of various mineral resources that’s currently in high demand, and will continue to be so for a long time), the DRC possesses gems that are a blessing and curse. The DRC has the largest cobalt deposits and one of the largest copper reserves.
In 2023, the DRC continued to grapple with the paradox of plenty. Rich in minerals like cobalt and copper, used for the global transition to renewable energy, the country faced severe challenges. From environmental degradation to human rights abuses, its problems are worsened by the intense competition with its neighbors, like Rwanda, and other foreign entities prying eyes over its mineral wealth. This article will snake through the events of 2023 and then take a peek into what 2024 might look like for this resource-rich yet troubled nation.
The Mineral Wealth and Its Consequences
Cobalt and copper are central to the global shift away from fossil fuels and the struggle of reducing carbon footprints. However, the extraction of these minerals has had immense downsides. Reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Amnesty International in 2023 highlighted the environmental and societal impacts of mining activities. In essence, land degradation, water, and air pollution are inevitable when extracting natural resources. The UNEP report emphasized the environmental degradation and inequality stemming from mining, while Amnesty International highlighted issues like human rights abuses, including forced evictions of residents from their settlements due to the industrial-sized expansion of the mining companies.
These companies service hardware companies in the renewable energy space. For example, it’s common knowledge that Glencore, a huge mining company in the DRC, is a Tesla partner.
Also, the DRC citizens who work on these sites are hired as cheap labor in extracting their own birthright, which they benefit next to nothing from.
Conflict and Violence
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, there has been an increase in violence in the DRC in late 2023, fueled by clashes over territory and resources. Militant groups, extrajudicial killings by security forces, and political violence contributed to the conflict. The involvement of neighboring Rwanda, accused of supporting militia groups in the Congo, added a regional dimension to the crisis.
Governance and Corruption Challenges
The USAID report also shed light on the governance and corruption issues plaguing the DRC. Its government is riddled with officers with various records of past clientelism and kleptocracy. The malfunctioning of the Congolese state (due to ineptitude in the paths of its leadership) stokes the fire of various smuggling and conflict financing.
Mining Reform and International Involvement
Efforts to reform the mining sector and promote responsible sourcing practices made some progress but faced significant challenges. Initiatives to discourage armed interference in artisanal mining were limited in their effectiveness, and the focus on conflict minerals often neglected the development potential of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). The presence of foreign enterprises, particularly Chinese semi-industrial mining companies, in the search for mineral resources, often resulted in additional insecurity and violence.
A Peek Into 2024
It’s a new year, and nothing of note has happened except for the presidential elections that took place last December. President Felix Tshisekedi, the incumbent president, prevailed once more by garnering more than 70% of the votes. With no changes in the country’s leadership, its critical condition may persist. However, part of Tshisekedi’s policies is to lure more foreign investments into the country’s various sectors to reduce the Chinese’s monopoly hold; especially, in mining.
The country’s ability to leverage its mineral wealth for sustainable development and peace hinges on addressing the multifaceted challenges it currently faces. Key to this will be improving governance, ensuring responsible mining practices, and resolving conflicts in a way that benefits local communities and respects human rights.
In 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Rwanda, alleging Rwanda’s involvement in the theft of DRC’s natural resources. DRC’s Justice Minister, Rose Mutombo, accused the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) of aiding the M23 rebels, who control Northern Kivu near the DRC-Rwanda border. This followed earlier accusations of Rwanda supporting M23 attacks against UN peacekeepers, which Rwanda denied. A December UN report further alleged RDF support for M23.
These accusations may continue in 2024, as the DRC and Rwanda are unrelenting in their finger-pointing and repudiation respectively.
In conclusion, while 2023 was a year marked by turmoil over mineral resources in the DRC, 2024 offers an opportunity for change. With concerted efforts from the Congolese government, civil society, and the international community, the DRC can turn its mineral wealth into a catalyst for peace and sustainable development. However, this will require an approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and prioritizes the well-being of its people.
Author: Makinde Adeniyi
#DRC #Rwanda #Africa #Mining #Cobalt #Copper
