Mineral Conflict: A Challenge for Africa
JOHANNESBURG – Intense conflict over minerals critical for electric vehicles and mobile phones has emerged as the Trump administration’s first significant foreign policy challenge in Africa.
The Situation in Goma
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces unprecedented turmoil, particularly in the city of Goma, known for its population of roughly 2 million. Recent reports indicate an alarming rise in violence—bodies strewn across the streets, overwhelmed hospitals, and civilians trapped in the chaos. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has taken control of substantial areas within the city, leading to widespread fear and despair.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), “The M23 appears to have taken control of a significant portion of the city following intense fighting with the Congolese army.” Humanitarian reports allege rampant looting of shops, offices, and humanitarian warehouses amid heavy gunfire and explosions reverberating across Goma. It is yet uncertain how extensive the humanitarian toll has been, but local sources indicate that civilian casualties may be considerable. In just one week, escalating violence has already claimed the lives of thirteen South African peacekeeping troops.
Escalation Rooted in Minerals
The foundation of the conflict lies in the DRC’s extraordinary mineral wealth, particularly its reserves of coltan, cobalt, and manganese—all essential components for modern technologies, including electric vehicle (EV) batteries and mobile phones. A recent United Nations-commissioned report highlights that the M23 rebels, alongside operatives from the Rwanda Defense Force, seized control of critical mining areas, notably the Rubaya mining region, one of the world’s leading sources of coltan, as of April 30, 2024. The control of these resources has significant economic implications, as M23 rebels reportedly collect taxes on the trade of key minerals, raking in an estimated 0,000 monthly.
Understanding the geopolitics is further intensified by the DRC’s global role as the producer of 70-80% of the world’s cobalt supply; an essential mineral in the manufacturing of EV batteries. The nation also contributes approximately 11% of the world’s copper supply, making it a strategic player in the global mineral market. Major stakeholders, including the U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense, regard cobalt and coltan as vital for national economic and defense interests, amplifying the stakes of the ongoing conflict.
Geopolitical Players and Leadership Responses
The chaos in Goma has captured international attention and spotlighted the broader regional challenges. U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), has vocalized his concern, calling for M23 to cease its advance and for all parties to restore peace and facilitate humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the situation has escalated to attacks on multiple foreign embassies in Kinshasa, DRC’s capital, including those of the U.S. and France. In some instances, embassies, notably the French one, have even been set ablaze.
Experts suggest that the conflict is propelled by a mix of geopolitics and resource exploitation. Bill Roggio, editor of the Long War Journal, remarked, “The M23 conflict is indeed about minerals but also reflects Rwanda’s ambition to control and administer much of Congo’s North Kivu region.” He suggests that Rwanda’s aggressive maneuvers stem from a desire to dominate trade and mineral resources while positioning itself as a pivotal regional power in Central and East Africa. Although Rwanda claims its military action is necessitated by border security concerns, such narratives are complicated by the historical context of regional relations.
Trump Administration’s Opportunity
For the Trump administration, the escalating crisis presents both challenges and opportunities. President Trump briefly acknowledged the situation, labeling it a “serious problem” during a press conference but sidestepped incisive dialogue regarding solutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged more directly by urging Rwandan President Paul Kagame to implement an immediate ceasefire and respect the DRC’s territorial integrity. “The United States is deeply troubled by the escalation of the conflict,” remarked State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, highlighting their commitment towards achieving a lasting peace that encapsulates regional security and fosters economic growth.
Kagame responded positively, indicating that his conversation with Rubio was “productive” and showing a willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration to address the conflict’s underlying issues. Such interactions are pivotal in steering the narrative towards diplomatic resolutions amid the various geopolitical tensions at play.
Roots of the Crisis: Blame vs. Solutions
However, some analysts emphasize that part of the issue stems from governance failures within Congo itself. Michael Rubin, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, argues that framing the DRC purely as a victim while framing Rwanda as the aggressor oversimplifies the complexities involved. “If President Tshisekedi can confront armed groups effectively and work towards uniting the country, it could pave the way for sustainable resolution,” he says. Moreover, credible governance reforms and accountable leadership are essential in addressing the systemic problems that fuel the conflict.
As the international community observes developments in Goma and beyond, the challenges are multi-faceted—demanding not only immediate humanitarian responses but also long-term strategies that tackle the intertwined issues of mineral wealth, governance, and regional stability. The ongoing conflict serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of resource-driven warfare and the pressing need for comprehensive international engagement that prioritizes peace, security, and prosperity for affected populations.
