The Silent Genocide of Congo

An Explanation

Congo has the world's largest reserve of coltan. Coltan is a critical mineral needed for electronic devices, aerospace, and the innovation of technology.Western countries (The US, UK, France, etc) have been providing financial and military aid to Uganda and Rwanda to invade regions filled with coltan reserves as they invade, millions of people are killed.Multinational mining companies are created to source coltan. These companies are enslaving men, women, and children, to mine coltan.48 women are raped hourly. Millions are displaced and over 6 million have been killed half of which are CHILDREN.

What Is Coltan?

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is extremely rich in Coltan (Columbite-Tantalite). A rare metallic ore used for producing electronic goods of mass consumption. Such as mobile phones, laptops, videogame consoles, and vape devices, whose profits have fuelled the largest conflict in modern African history.

The Beginning of Colonialism in Congo

During the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, European nations split the African continent. The region was officially named the Congo Free State and King Leopold II became its sole owner. Leopold promised to bring civilization to the people in the area as his main goal.By the early 1890s, under Leopold's rule, Congo became notorious for its cruel treatment of the Congolese. This included forced labor to harvest rubber, palm oil, and ivory. Punishment methods, including beatings and lashings, were used to force harvest-gathering quotas to be met.

The Assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba

Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the independent nation, the Republic of Congo, was born July 2, 1925, in Onalua in Kasai province of the Belgian Congo. As secretary-general of the union, Lumumba began publishing essays critical of Belgian colonial rule and advocating independence and a unified centralized Congo. Lumumba's scathing denunciation of colonialism ruffled feathers not only in Belgium but also in the United States and Great Britain.
The CIA ordered Lumumba's assassination but their attempts failed. Instead, Western powers funded Rebel Groups and Opposing Politicians against Lumumba. Mobutu Sese Seko overthrew Lumumba and placed him under house arrest. He made the fateful attempt to escape to Stanleyville where his supporters had gained control. Lumumba was apprehended by secessionist rebels and assassinated on January 18, 1961.

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So What Now?

The DRC is possibly thousands of miles away from where you are but many steps can be taken to show your solidarity with the Congolese people.

  1. Boycott: Big tech companies such as Apple, Samsung, Tesla, and many more depend on Congolese exploitation and slave labor. New phones and tech are the source of Congolese suffering. If you need new tech then purchase from a second party and/or used devices.

  2. Quit Vaping: Big Vape companies participate in the use of child labor. Due to e-cigarettes and vape devices powered by cobalt found in Congo. Due to manufacturing, vapes are not reusable or last long periods and are often quickly disposed of. Which coincidentally also worsens the Earth's environment.

  3. Keep Learning: The DRC and its people need to be seen and heard by the world. The luxuries we indulge in, are at their expense, every screen we use is thanks to THEM. Read, Watch, and Listen, we must maintain our humanity, that is the sacrifice for liberation.

  4. Donations: Help and fund Non-Profit Organizations based in the DRC that send food and resources to the Congolese people.

Thank You.