The Conflict in Eastern DRC: A Cycle of Violence Fueled by Resources and History
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: World Geography (Map work - DRC, Rwanda, Great Lakes region of Africa); International Relations (UN); Indian Economy (Critical Minerals). Current events of international importance.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (World History & Geography): Distribution of key natural resources across the world; Post-colonial conflicts in Africa.
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora. The global competition for critical minerals is a key IR topic.
Key Highlights from the News
The peace agreements mediated by the US and Qatar to resolve the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) failed.
The main conflict is between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda.
Main Reasons:
Historical: Continuation of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and disputes between over a hundred ethnic groups.
Economic: The critical mineral reserves in the region, valued at 24 trillion dollars, are a major reason.
Key Minerals: This region has critical minerals such as Cobalt (70% of global reserves), coltan, copper, diamonds, and gold.
A key interest behind US intervention is to gain control over these minerals and break the Chinese companies' monopoly in the region.
The article argues that peace cannot be restored in this region with mere ceasefire agreements without addressing the root causes of the conflict.
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