The Dark Side of Technology: DRC’s Battle Against Apple Inc.

The same hands that aid Africa are killing Africa. In the relentless pursuit of technological advancement, the world turns a blind eye to the blood-soaked origins of its beloved gadgets. Behind the sleek screens of iPhones lie tales of exploitation, conflict, and human suffering, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the heart of this dark narrative. As the first country to sue tech giant Apple Inc., valued at a staggering $2.83 trillion, the DRC takes a defiant stand against the exploitation of its natural resources.

For decades, armed groups, backed by external powers, have exploited the chaos in the DRC to enrich themselves through illegal mining operations. Local communities bear the brunt of this activity, subjected to forced labor, displacement, and violence.

“The same hands that aid Africa” through development projects, investments, and technological advancements are complicit in “killing Africa” by perpetuating systems of exploitation and conflict. Until the global community addresses the root causes of this cycle and commits to ethical sourcing practices, the suffering will continue unabated.

How can France, as a member of the EU, reconcile its stance on ethical sourcing with its participation in deals that contribute to the suffering of the Congolese people?

Despite the outcry from human rights organizations and ethical concerns raised by consumers, the demand for cheap and readily available resources continues to drive exploitation in vulnerable regions like the DRC. The pursuit of profit trumps ethical considerations, perpetuating a system of suffering and injustice.

The Cold Reality of iPhone Minerals

Tantalum, tin, and tungsten, collectively known as the 3T, are crucial minerals for electronic devices like iPhones. Among the largest producers of these minerals is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation plagued by decades of conflict and turmoil. Unfortunately, these minerals are often extracted under dire conditions in the DRC, with little consideration for the well-being of local communities.

Tantalum: Tantalum is crucial for its ability to store and release electrical energy, making it ideal for capacitors in electronic devices like iPhones. Apple uses tantalum to ensure reliable performance and efficient energy storage. Its high capacitance and stability allow for smaller and more powerful devices.

Tin: Used in soldering electronic components, tin creates reliable electrical connections in iPhones. Its low melting point and malleability facilitate the assembly of complex circuitry. The demand for tin is driven by its widespread use in electronics.

Tungsten: Valued for its density and durability, tungsten is used in iPhone components like vibration motors and electrical contacts. Its exceptional hardness and resistance to wear make it suitable for demanding applications. The demand for tungsten is driven by its use in various industries.

3T Demand: The combined demand for tantalum, tin, and tungsten rises with the consumer electronics industry’s growth. Advancements in technology necessitate compact and energy-efficient components, increasing reliance on these minerals. Despite efforts for ethical sourcing, demand often exceeds supply, raising concerns about sustainable extraction and social/environmental impacts.

European Union’s Dubious Deals

The European Union’s recent deal with Rwanda to secure a supply of precious minerals for clean technology highlights a troubling contradiction in international relations. On one hand, the EU promotes sustainable development and environmental protection through initiatives like clean technology. On the other hand, member states like France condemn Rwanda’s support for rebel groups involved in illegal mining in the DRC.

France’s call for Rwanda to withdraw support from groups like the M23 while engaging in deals that perpetuate the cycle of exploitation in the DRC exposes a glaring hypocrisy. How can France, as a member of the EU, reconcile its stance on ethical sourcing with its participation in deals that contribute to the suffering of the Congolese people? This contradiction undermines the EU’s credibility and raises questions about its commitment to human rights and sustainable development.

The EU must confront this hypocrisy head-on and hold its member states accountable for their actions. Instead of turning a blind eye to unethical practices in pursuit of economic interests, the EU should prioritize transparency and accountability in its trade agreements. By promoting responsible sourcing and investing in ethical supply chains, the EU can uphold its values and support the development of the DRC in a way that benefits its people.

DRC’s Allies: A Tale of Neglect and Exploitation

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself in a perplexing predicament, where its allies are quick to offer aid in times of war but fail to support its long-term development efforts. Despite being rich in natural resources, the DRC remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with much of its population living in poverty.

While DRC’s allies are eager to provide humanitarian assistance during times of crisis, they are noticeably absent when it comes to supporting the country’s efforts to build its own refineries for its mineral wealth. This neglect leaves the DRC dependent on foreign companies for the extraction and processing of its resources, perpetuating a cycle of dependence and economic vulnerability.

The DRC must awaken to the reality of its situation and recognize that it is being used for its natural resources while receiving inadequate support for its development efforts. Meaningless investments in infrastructure projects have failed to deliver significant economic benefits to the DRC or its people, leaving the country vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation by foreign powers.

To break free from this cycle of dependency, the DRC must assert its sovereignty and demand fair treatment from its allies. By investing in domestic infrastructure and capacity-building projects, the DRC can harness its natural resources for the benefit of its own people and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

To break free from this cycle of dependency, the DRC must assert its sovereignty and demand fair treatment from its allies. By investing in domestic infrastructure and capacity-building projects, the DRC can harness its natural resources for the benefit of its own people and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Suspicious Supply Chains

In Apple Inc.’s 2020 Conflict Minerals Report, the inclusion of “Luna Smelter, Ltd. Rwanda” as a smelter and refiner of 3TG minerals raises eyebrows. While Rwanda is not listed as a country of origin for these minerals, the presence of a Rwandan smelter in Apple’s supply chain casts doubt on the integrity of their sourcing practices. This discrepancy highlights the lack of transparency surrounding the origin of minerals from conflict-affected regions like the DRC and Rwanda.

The omission of Rwanda as a country of origin for 3TG minerals, despite the presence of a Rwandan smelter in Apple’s supply chain, raises suspicions about the true source of these minerals. This discrepancy undermines Apple’s claims of responsible sourcing and ethical supply chains, deepening the ethical quagmire surrounding the extraction and processing of minerals from conflict-affected regions.

This revelation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in mineral supply chains. Without clear documentation and traceability mechanisms, companies like Apple risk being complicit in the human rights abuses associated with the extraction of minerals from conflict-affected regions. As consumers increasingly demand ethical sourcing practices, companies must prioritize transparency and due diligence to ensure the integrity of their supply chains.

The Dawn of Hope: CCB

President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative to establish the Congolese Battery Council (CCB) on December 6th, 2022 represents a significant step towards economic empowerment and self-reliance for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By focusing on creating an electric battery chain and building refineries for the country’s natural resources, the CCB signals a new era of opportunity and development. 

However, the reception of the CCB by the DRC’s allies remains uncertain. Some may view it as a threat to their interests, particularly those who benefit from the current system of mineral extraction and trade. Others may see it as an opportunity to support the DRC’s efforts towards self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

The success of the CCB will depend on various factors, including political stability, investment support, and international cooperation. If embraced by the DRC’s allies as a genuine opportunity for mutual benefit and progress, the CCB has the potential to transform the country’s economy and contribute to regional prosperity.

Conclusion: War for Profit & A Call for Justice

Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s assertion that the M23 rebel movement exists due to denial of rights in their own country contradicts evidence pointing at Rwanda’s involvement. This highlights the complex dynamics fueling conflict in the DRC, where rebel groups like the M23, allegedly supported by Rwanda, perpetuate violence and instability. The DRC’s legal battle against Apple Inc. symbolizes its resistance against exploitation and injustice, shedding light on the high human cost of technological advancement driven by global powers. As giant tech companies profit from Africa’s destabilization to advance technology, the DRC’s plight underscores the need for accountability and solidarity in the fight against exploitation and oppression.

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Aric Jabari is a Sixteenth Council Fellow