DRC HOME OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AND MINERALS.
When the Democratic Republic of Congo is mentioned, what comes to mind for me is a different story of struggles—for resources and independence. Don't get me wrong; I know there are positive aspects about Congo, but can we, as concerned Africans, focus on the "big picture" regarding the lives of our brothers in Congo who are enduring hell on earth, simply because nature and the gods blessed them with a resource-rich land? This begs the question: why would someone kill you or turn your own brother against you because of your own resources? Don't we have leaders in this country and the region? What is the stance of African countries towards their fellow brothers?
Struggle for Independence
DRC gained independence in 1960 in theory, but do they truly have the freedom to live and carry out their daily activities on their own soil? After enduring Belgian brutality and cruel leadership in Congo under King Leopold II (you can read about this in "King Leopold's Ghost"), the Congolese people fell under the dictatorship of Mobutu S. Seko after the elimination of Patrice Lumumba, one of the greatest Pan-Africanists and minds Africa has seen. Mobutu's reign was notoriously brutal towards dissenters, turning the government into a private enterprise where only shareholders benefited, while Mobutu himself was notorious for lavishing his friends with gifts. One of his few notable acts was hosting a boxing match between Muhammad Ali, a circus funded by government money. Did you know Mobutu was widely regarded as a US-backed president, a fact evident in his leadership? I believe African leaders are often selfish and lack loyalty to their own countries. Following Kabila's successful coup that overthrew Mobutu, Congo entered a new era, though short-lived due to Kabila's failure to reward his supporters, similar to the early '90s genocide which saw over 2,000 casualties and displaced more than 1.5 million people, a tragedy now recurring. Can it be called democracy when only dynasties are elected to power? This was exemplified in Congo's 2006 democratic election, which saw Kabila's son elected.
Why Are There Genocide and Endless Wars in Congo?
The Congo wars seem to stem from four main motives:
- The pursuit of power, as individuals vie for leadership through warfare.
- Reports indicate some wars are driven by forced acquisition of Congolese nationality.
- A struggle for land to farm and inhabit.
- The primary reason for conflict in the northeastern and eastern parts of Congo, particularly around South and North Kivu, revolves around the minerals found there. Many, including non-Congolese entities, seek to exploit these minerals for financial gain, fueling illegal trade and conflict in these regions.
Struggle for Resources
Did you know the Democratic Republic of Congo is naturally rich in minerals such as cobalt, tin, gemstones, gold, diamonds, and coltan, estimated to total $24 trillion, making it the world's richest country in terms of mineral wealth? However, ownership of these mineral deposits has not translated into improved living standards or GDP per capita, which stands at just $594. With a population exceeding 100 million, Congo remains one of the world's poorest countries, despite being a major producer of minerals like cobalt, crucial for tech devices, and coltan, used in smartphones. The UN identifies Congo's minerals as a source of war and genocide currently afflicting the country. A UN report states, "The illicit movement of minerals from Congo provides revenue which fuels rebel groups in the eastern parts of Congo." The main rebel groups include the M23 movement and the FLDR, occupying South and North Kivu respectively. The Congolese government alleges that Paul Kagame supports the M23 rebels, and leaders manipulate this propaganda to ascend to power, perpetuating recurring problems despite UN awareness. The largest sponsors of the war, allegedly, are Chinese and Western nations, benefiting from dining with Congo's leaders. Ever wondered how China, with fewer cobalt deposits, dominates the global cobalt market? It turns out Congo has 19 major cobalt deposits, 15 controlled by Chinese entities that evade taxes due to corruption among leaders. These mining sites are primarily located in eastern Congo, explaining the escalating conflict and genocide in Kivu. But is it worth children and others dying over natural resources located in their land?
Has Africa Betrayed Congo?
As an African from Kenya, I feel our president and Africa have betrayed Congo. I often wonder why conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza receive more global attention than Congo, even from Africa itself. Is it because Ukraine and Gaza are outside Africa, or because white lives matter more than black lives? Where is the humanity in our leaders? For example, the Kenyan president was the first African leader to support Israel amid their genocide in Palestine, but has never addressed the war in Congo. Does he know something we don't? Is he merely a puppet? Clearly, yes—evident from how the Kenyan president aligns with US and colonial interests. More surprising is how Africans stand with Ukraine but not with Congo, despite smartphones' batteries, which we use daily, being the reason innocent Congolese suffer displacement, rape, and death. I believe Africa is like a polygamous family of 55 wives—I am from the Kenyan wife and stand with Congo. What about you?
#stopgenocideincongo#callforpeaceincongo
