DR Congo: President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi continues to accuse Apple of illicit exploitation of Congolese resources
During his recent tour of Europe in late April 2024, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, drew attention by pointing fingers at smartphone manufacturers, especially Apple, for their alleged involvement in illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources.
President Félix Tshisekedi claims that these companies are filling Rwanda’s coffers with funds from the plundering of Congolese underground resources by buying 3T minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten) from Rwanda, minerals he asserts are stolen in the DRC rather than locally produced.
Apple rejects these accusations, stating that they adhere to mineral sourcing rules, while Rwanda denies any involvement in such trafficking.
However, the Congolese government remains steadfast, asserting possessing irrefutable evidence of this ongoing plundering for three decades.
A complaint against Apple has been filed in the United States and France, alleging the company uses minerals from illegal operations in the DRC in manufacturing its products, including the iPhone.
In a report titled «Blood Minerals – Laundering of DRC’s 3T Minerals by Rwanda and Private Entities», the Congolese government openly accuses Apple of using minerals from illegal mining sites, calling for a response from the multinational corporation.
During a recent interview on the LCI channel in France, President Tshisekedi reiterated his accusations, stating that Apple’s iPhones were tainted with the blood of Congolese victims and calling for an immediate end to this practice.
These allegations come amid regional tensions, with the Congolese president also highlighting Rwanda’s alleged support for armed groups active in eastern DRC.
Despite previous conflict threats, President Tshisekedi claims to give diplomacy a final chance to resolve the disputes.
The recent statements from the Congolese Head of State underscore the persistent challenges facing the DRC in combating illegal exploitation of its natural resources and highlight the complex stakes of regional politics in Central Africa.
Gilbert MENGUE
