Ongoing Crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been mired in conflict and humanitarian crises for decades, facing multiple layers of instability, including armed conflict, political tensions, and one of the world’s most severe displacement crises. Despite peaceful elections in recent years, violence in the eastern provinces has escalated, particularly due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group and inter-communal violence, further destabilizing the region.

Conflict: Current State

The eastern DRC remains a hotspot of violence, primarily driven by over 100 armed groups with Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continuing its control of large areas and committing human rights abuses such as unlawful killings, rapes, and the displacement of civilians. More than 8 million Congolese have been displaced, with over 738,000 people displaced just in the first three months of 2024 ​(Concern Worldwide) ​(HRW). Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), such as those in North and South Kivu, face dire conditions, where displaced individuals struggle with overcrowding, lack of food, and inadequate shelter ​(Concern Worldwide) ​(UN Press).

The violence also affects access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Children in conflict areas are deprived of education, and communities have been left without basic healthcare due to the instability. Armed groups have targeted schools, and in some cases, used sexual violence as a weapon of war​ (The New Humanitarian) ​(HRW).

Humanitarian Crisis

More than 25 million Congolese require humanitarian assistance, making the DRC one of the most severe ongoing humanitarian emergencies globally. This crisis includes shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. Malnutrition is widespread, particularly among children in displacement camps, and gender-based violence continues to be a devastating issue ​(Concern Worldwide).

The impact of this violence is felt across all demographics, but women and children are particularly vulnerable. Sexual violence, often used as a tool of war, remains rampant, and many women are left to care for children born of rape, facing social stigma and psychological trauma​ (UN Press).

International Response & Prospects for Peace

The international community has been involved in peacekeeping efforts in the DRC for years, primarily through the UN’s peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. However, as MONUSCO prepares for a phased withdrawal, there are growing concerns that the vacuum left behind could worsen the violence and instability in the region ​(UN Press). Efforts have been made to push for peace through regional dialogues, such as those mediated by Angola, but the conflict continues to rage​ (HRW).

Calls for accountability and justice are also increasing, with pressure on the government to hold armed groups and militias accountable for war crimes. However, despite promises of transitional justice, little progress has been made in terms of concrete actions​ (HRW).

Role: Conflict Minerals

The mining of these minerals in eastern DRC has been a significant driver of conflict. Armed groups control many of the mining sites, using the profits from mineral sales to fund their activities, which include terrorizing local populations, committing acts of violence, and prolonging the conflict. Consumers, by purchasing electronics, unwittingly contribute to the demand for these conflict minerals. While some companies have taken steps to ensure their supply chains are free from conflict minerals, the issue is far from being resolved ​(HRW).

Role: Consumer

As consumers, many of us may not realize the direct impact our purchases have on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC is rich in minerals such as cobalt, tantalum, tin, and tungsten—critical components for the production of smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other electronic devices. These minerals are often referred to as "conflict minerals" because their extraction has been linked to human rights abuses, including forced labor, child labor, and funding for armed groups​ (Concern Worldwide)​ (HRW).

How to Help

As consumers, we have the power to push for more ethical sourcing of minerals. Here’s how we can make a difference:

1. Concern Worldwide offers direct humanitarian aid in the DRC and has detailed ways to help here.

2. Human Rights Watch monitors and advocates for human rights in conflict zones. Learn more about their work and how to support it here.

3. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) provides assistance to refugees and displaced persons in the DRC. You can contribute here.

4. port Companies with Transparent Supply Chains: Look for brands that are certified conflict-free or participate in programs like the Conflict-Free Smelter Initiative (CFSI). Companies like Fairphone are working to ensure their products do not contribute to conflict.

5. Recycle Electronics: Reducing demand for newly mined minerals by recycling old electronics helps reduce the strain on mining in conflict zones.

6. Advocate for Stronger Regulations: Support legislation like the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act (Section 1502), which requires companies to disclose the use of conflict minerals. Advocating for similar laws in other countries can help build momentum for global change​ (HRW).