The Genocide Chronicles: Convenience is Killing Congo

YOU CAN’T RUN YOU CAN’T HIDE WE CHARGE YOU WITH GENOCIDE

The Genocide Chronicals CONVENIENCEIS KILLINGCONGO

This issue highlights the connection between American consumer habits and the exploitation driving this humanitarian crisis In Congo, a brutal conflict rages, largely fueled by the demand for minerals such as coltan, tin, and tungsten – essential for manufacturing smartphones, laptops, and other electronics

Our continuous demand for the latest technology fuels the relentless extraction of these minerals increasing the suffering in Congo

This zine aims to inform and inspire action. By understanding the human cost behind our tech and consumption, we can advocate for ethical sourcing and support efforts to end the exploitation and violence in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region endowed with an abundance of natural resources, has endured a long and brutal history of exploitation and systemic violence, much of which can be traced back to the era of Belgian colonialism. The Belgian colonial regime, under King Leopold II, implemented one of the most exploitative and violent colonial systems in history The extraction of rubber, ivory, and other resources was carried out with utter disregard for human life, resulting in the death of an estimated 10 million Congolese people. King Leopold's personal control over the Congo Free State epitomized the ruthless pursuit of profit Forced labor, mutilation, and mass killings were methods employed to maximize rubber production for the burgeoning automotive and industrial sectors in Europe and North America This brutal exploitation laid the foundation for a system where Congolese lives were deemed expendable in the pursuit of economic gain

A Brief History

The horrors of the Belgian regime can be seen as an early form of genocidal violence driven by capitalist interests, where the subjugation and annihilation of the local population were justified by the insatiable demand for resources

The formal end of colonial rule in 1960 marked the beginning of a new phase of exploitation under the guise of independence. Despite gaining sovereignty, the DRC remained ensnared by Western powers The United States and former colonial powers, alongside multinational corporations, continued to exert control over the country’s vast resources This era was characterized by political instability and violence, often made worse by external interference aimed at protecting Western economic interests

Patrice Lumumba, the Congo's first democratically elected prime minister, sought to assert genuine independence and control over the nation's resources However, his vision was met with fierce opposition from both internal elites and foreign powers.

Lumumba's assassination in 1961, widely believed to be orchestrated by the CIA and Belgian interests, exemplified the lengths to which capitalist powers would go to maintain their hegemony The subsequent decades saw the rise of Mobutu Sese Seko, whose kleptocratic regime was supported by Western governments in exchange for unfettered access to Congolese resources Under Mobutu, the Congolese people continued to suffer exploitation and oppression, as the wealth generated from their land enriched a small group of elite and foreign investors. The working class and peasantry in the DRC have borne the brunt of this exploitation and violence. From the forced labor under Belgian rule to the contemporary exploitation in artisanal mining operations, the Congolese people have consistently faced systemic oppression. The class struggle in the DRC is stark, with a small elite class, often aligned with foreign capitalist interests, monopolizing wealth and power, while the vast majority remain impoverished and marginalized he recurring theme of genocidal violence in the DRC is inextricably linked to capitalist exploitation

The relentless pursuit of profit by multinational corporations and complicit local elites has perpetuated cycles of violence and impoverishment. The Second Congo War (19982003), often dubbed the "African World War," involved numerous African nations and resulted in millions of deaths, primarily due to the exploitation of mineral resources like coltan, diamonds, and gold These resources are vital to global industries, particularly electronics, and the warlords and militias controlling mining areas funded their activities through illicit trade facilitated by global capitalist markets The interplay between local conflicts and international capitalist interests has created a scenario where genocidal violence is not only a byproduct but a direct consequence of resource exploitation

The Commodification of Minerals

How the Capitalist System’s Need for Profit Supports Genocidal Practices

The global capitalist system relies heavily on complex supply chains to sustain the production of goods and services At the heart of many technological products, such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles, are minerals sourced from Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Conflict minerals are typically mined under harsh conditions, often involving forced labor aka slavery, child labor, and severe human rights abuses Armed groups and militias control many of these mining operations, using violence and intimidation to maintain their hold on these resources The minerals are then sold to intermediaries, who further mask their origins before they enter global supply chains This intricate web of transactions effectively disconnects the end consumers from the brutal realities of mineral extraction, allowing the continuation of genocidal practices driven by capitalist profit motives.

Capitalist accumulation in the DRC is deeply intertwined with the extraction of these minerals Multinational corporations, often with the backing -

of foreign governments, have established operations to extract and export these resources. The drive for profit maximization has led to the prioritization of mineral extraction over the well-being of local communities As companies seek to secure mining concessions and maximize output, they often engage in practices that displace local populations, destroy the environment, and violate human rights Conflict minerals, particularly coltan, cobalt, and gold, have become emblematic of the link between resource extraction and violence in the DRC Coltan and Cobalt, for example, is a crucial component in the production of electronic devices. To secure a steady supply of these minerals, foreign corporations and governments have engaged in practices that destabilize the region, support corrupt regimes, and fund armed groups. The involvement of foreign powers in the DRC is not limited to economic exploitation also includes political military interventions t further entrench confli By providing military training, and polit support to factions t align with their interest

these powers have worsened local conflicts, contributing to the cycles of violence and genocide The global demand for conflict minerals fuels these atrocities, driven by both domestic and foreign interests that prioritize profit over human life. The violence is not merely a byproduct of resource competition but a deliberate strategy to dominate and exploit communities for capitalist gain While many companies “commit” to ethical sourcing and social responsibility, these claims frequently fall short of addressing the systemic issues within their supply chains Voluntary initiatives and certifications, such as conflict-free sourcing programs, are often insufficient and can be manipulated to create a illusion of responsibility without enacting meaningful change. Corporations may engage in selective transparency, highlighting small-scale ethical initiatives while engaging in larger exploitative practices

This selective approach allows companies to maintain consumer trust and brand loyalty without fundamentally altering the structures that enable exploitation Corporate responsibility under capitalism often serves as a facade, masking the complicity of multinational corporations and foreign powers in exploitation and genocide. True corporate responsibility would require a radical restructuring of supply chains, ensuring fair labor practices, equitable distribution of profits, and genuine accountability for human rights abuses and genocidal violence. The commodification of conflict minerals and the alienation of workers from their labor facilitate a system where human lives are devalued in favor of profits Consumerism and corporate facades of responsibility perpetuate this cycle, highlighting the urgent need for ethical consumption and genuine corporate accountability Understanding these dynamics is essential for understanding the violent cycles created over resources and profits.

6 MILLION LIVES TAKEN

The scale of the violence in Congo is heart wrenching Over the past two decades, it is estimated that more than six million people have died due to the genocide, many causes of death include direct violence, disease, and starvation These figures are comparable to the population of some of the largest cities in the United States. Mass killings and acts of genocide are not random but are strategically employed to secure resource-rich areas and suppress local resistance The Rwandanbacked M23 rebellion, for example, has been implicated in widespread atrocities, including mass rape, murder, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers These acts are aimed at terrorizing populations and driving them away from valuable mining areas, thus facilitating unimpeded resource extraction

Children as young as five, and very possibly younger, are reported to work in dangerous conditions, exposed to toxic substances and extreme physical labor

In addition the horrific amount of deaths, The United Nations estimates that over 5 million people have been internally displaced due to ongoing violence. Displacement compounds the suffering, as families are uprooted from their homes and livelihoods, often with little to no resources to sustain themselves in new, unfamiliar, and frequently hostile environments. Displaced individuals face dire conditions in refugee camps, with inadequate access to food, clean water, and healthcare. The constant threat of violence and exploitation in these camps further deepens the crisis, creating a vicious cycle of poverty, illness, and insecurity The continuous cycle of violence and exploitation erodes the social and cultural fabric of

Congolese society Traditional practices and cultural heritage are lost as communities are displaced and fragmented. The loss of cultural identity, combined with the constant threat of violence, creates a sense of hopelessness and despair among survivors

Villages and towns that once thrived have been reduced to ghost towns. Social cohesion is shattered as families are torn apart, elders and community leaders are killed, and young people are either conscripted into militias or forced to flee. The economic impact on communities is devastating. The exploitation of mineral resources benefits a select few while leaving the local population impoverished Mining operations destroy arable land, contaminate water sources, and lead to long-term environmental degradation This environmental destruction further impoverishes communities, as they lose their means of subsistence farming and fishing Marie, a survivor from the Kivu region, recounts the horrors she faced when her village was attacked by an armed militia "They came at dawn," she recalls, "burning houses, killing men, and taking women and children. I lost my husband and two sons that day. They forced us to leave everything behind " Marie and her surviving children walked for days to reach a refugee camp, where they continue to struggle with trauma and loss

Corporations profiting from the DRC's resources often turn a blind eye to the conditions and violence and often contribute to the worsening of it for profit gain. Consumers, often unaware of the human cost behind their electronic devices and luxury items, play an indirect role in perpetuating this exploitation. The shiny gadgets and accessories that symbolize technological advancement and modernity for many are, in reality, steeped in the blood and toil of exploited Congolese workers. The systemic nature of violence, mass displacement, and the destruction of communities highlight the urgent need for global accountability and meaningful intervention. It is imperative that the international community, including consumers, corporations, and governments, take responsibility and act to end the cycle of exploitation and violence. Only through collective action and a commitment to ethical practices can we hope to alleviate the suffering of the Congolese people and prevent future atrocities.

The Dodd-Frank Act, hailed as a landmark piece of legislation aimed at curbing conflict minerals funding armed groups in regions ravaged by genocide, serves as a focal point for analysis While it embodies a semblance of progress, its implementation reveals glaring loopholes and inadequacies The DoddFrank Act, passed in 2010, was viewed as a milestone in addressing the issue of conflict minerals, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) The Act mandated that companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges disclose whether their products contain conflict minerals and report on their due diligence efforts to trace the origins of these minerals. However, despite its noble intentions,

the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act is littered with loopholes One significant loophole lies in its voluntary nature, as companies are not legally required to prove that their products are conflict-free. This lack of enforceability undermines the Act's effectiveness, as many companies opt for minimal disclosure or avoid compliance altogether Furthermore, the Act's focus on disclosure and due diligence places the burden on companies rather than addressing the root causes of the conflict mineral trade. In regions like the DRC, where state institutions are weak and governance is poor, the Act's reliance on corporate self-regulation fails to address the systemic issues that perpetuate -

the exploitation of natural resources and fuel conflict The shortcomings of the Dodd-Frank Act can be attributed to the inherent contradictions within the capitalist system capitalist enterprises operate within a profitdriven framework that prioritizes shareholder value and economic efficiency over social and environmental concerns. This profit motive incentivizes companies to seek out the cheapest sources of minerals, often turning a blind eye to human rights abuses and environmental degradation in conflictaffected areas By uncovering these loopholes, we expose the limitations of regulatory approaches like the DoddFrank Act in addressing the root causes of conflict and violence

Rather than relying on voluntary corporate disclosure and market mechanisms, a we must call or systemic change that challenges the underlying structures of capitalist exploitation and empowers marginalized communities to assert control over their own resources. Although legislation can play a crucial role in addressing the issue of conflict minerals, its effectiveness is often limited by factors such as inadequate enforcement, complex supply chains, market dynamics, lack of accountability, and systemic inequality. To truly solve the issue, a holistic approach is needed that addresses the root causes of the problem and challenges the structures of power and exploitation that perpetuate it

Ethical consumption goes beyond individual preferences; it encompasses a commitment to social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability By consciously choosing where and how we spend our money, we wield significant influence over industries and economies, shaping them in alignment with our ideals While there is no true or perfect ethical consumption under capitalism, our consumption in the west is directly linked to the ongoing violence in DRC The concept of ethical consumption transcends the mere act of purchasing goods; it becomes a potent tool for societal transformation. One aspect of this is boycotting tech companies complicit in exploitation and genocide Boycotting tech companies doesn't mean renouncing technology altogether; rather, it encourages us to explore ethical alternatives and demand systemic change within the industry Apple, for example, has shown time and time again to continue to source their materials from DRC and exasterbate the violence. The DRC has even threatened Apple with legal action this year (2024) if they continue with purchasing illegally exploited materials

BOYCOTT TECH

This is similar to a US lawsuit filed in 2019 against Dell, Microsoft, Tesla, Google, and Apple for aiding and abetting Congolese child cobalt mining deaths. This lawsuit was filed on behalf of Congolese families who “claim that some of the children were killed in tunnel collapses while others were paralyzed or suffered life changing injuries from accidents ”

Our overconsumption of the products supplied by these companies fuel the demand to source these illegally exploited resources

The evidence of overconsumption in Western societies is abundant. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average American household owns 25 electronic devices, ranging from smartphones and laptops to televisions and gaming consoles Similarly, in Europe, households possess an average of 13 electronic devices, with ownership rates steadily increasing over the years

Our overconsumption of the products supplied by these companies fuel the demand to source these illegally exploited resources.

The evidence of overconsumption in Western societies is abundant

Data from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) reveal that Americans, on average, upgrade their smartphones every 2 7 years, despite the previous device often still being fully functional. This culture of constant upgrading is fueled by marketing strategies that promote the latest features and innovations, creating a perceived obsolescence that compels consumers to discard perfectly usable devices in favor of newer models. Moreover, the increased use of electronic gadgets extends beyond smartphones to encompass tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and other connected devices, worsening the strain on natural resources and supply chains. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over 416,000 mobile devices are disposed of every day in the United States alone, contributing to the mounting e-waste crisis This overconsumption not only depletes finite resources but also generates significant environmental and social impacts, including pollution from manufacturing processes, hazardous waste disposal, and exploitation of labor in electronics production. We must mitigate tech overconsumption.

One crucial step is to prioritize the longevity of our electronic devices by adopting responsible usage habits and practicing proper maintenance. By safeguarding our devices against damage and wear, we can extend their lifespan and delay the need for replacements. When faced with a malfunctioning device, opt for repair over replacement Whether through DIY repairs or professional services, repairing electronics not only saves resources but also fosters a culture of sustainability. Furthermore, as consumers, we can make informed choices that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. This includes buying for refurbished or pre-owned devices, and avoiding purchasing products directly from big tech. While these steps may not directly solve the genocide and systemic violence in the DRC, they can contribute significantly to reducing the demand for conflict minerals and alleviating the environmental and social impacts of tech overconsumption By advocating for ethical practices, supporting responsible electronics recycling, and promoting sustainable consumption habits, western individuals can help disrupt the cycle of exploitation & violence

SOURCES

CBS News (n d ) Apple sued over alleged role in Congo conflict minerals trade. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/ news/apple-bloodminerals-africa-drc-threatlegal-action-rwandaconflict-mining/

Al Jazeera (2024, May 2) Blood minerals: What are the hidden costs of the EU-Rwanda supply deal? Retrieved from https://www aljazeera com /features/2024/5/2/bloodminerals-what-are-thehidden-costs-of-the-eurwanda-supply-deal

Al Jazeera. (2019, December 17). US tech giants sued over DRC cobalt mine child labour deaths Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com /economy/2019/12/17/ustech-giants-sued-over-drccobalt-mine-child-labourdeaths

Pole Institute (2010, August) Blood Minerals: The Criminalization of the Mining Industry in Eastern DRC. Retrieved from https://friendsofthecongo org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/06/b lood minerals pole aug2 010 pdf

More Information

Friends of the Congo (n.d.). Fatal Transactions: The Continuing Legacy of the Resource Curse in the Congo Retrieved from https://friendsofthecongo org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/06/f ataltransactions pdf

Olija Jacobsen (2015) Dollin Enda Ligt: The Darkness DeepensCobalt and the Lives of Those Who Extract It Retrieved from https://olijacobsen.com/w pcontent/uploads/2015/03/d ollinendaligt pdf

Kara, S. (n.d.). Cobalt Red [Book]

Van Reybrouck, D. (2014). Congo: The Epic History of a People [Book]

FURTHER

READING

"The Congo Wars: Conflict, Myth and Reality" by Thomas Turner

"Dancing in the Glory of Monsters: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa" by Jason Stearns

"King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa" by Adam Hochschild

Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart" by Tim Butcher

"The Dynamics of Violence in Central Africa" edited by Rene Lemarchand

"In the Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz: Living on the Brink of Disaster in Mobutu's Congo" by Michela Wrong

"The Congo: Plunder and Resistance" by David Renton

"Congo Masquerade: The Political Culture of Aid Inefficiency and Reform Failure" by Theodore

ACTION

https://congoleaders.org/

https://congochildrentrust. org/

https://www.congowomena rise.org/

https://congolovefoundatio n.org/

https://www.congocoalition .org/

https://www.congoglobalac tion.org/

https://congopeacenetwork .org/

https://www.congoactionno w.org/

https://www.congoeducatio npartners.org/

https://www.congoinitiative .org/

https://www.congowomens network.org/

https://www.congogreeninit iative.org/

https://www.congohealthall iance.org/

https://www.congoyouthmo vement.org/

https://www.congocdf.org/

https://www.congopeacebui lders.org/

://www.congohopeproject.o rg/

https://enoughproject.org/

https://friendsofthecongo.o rg/

https://africanewday.org/ htps://www.congorestorati on.org/

https://congorising.org/

https://www.congochildren strust.org/

https://www.womancradleo fabundance.org/

https://www.herowomenrisi ng.org/

https://www.lobiko.org/