‘Peace remains only a promise’ for millions in eastern DR Congo, General Assembly hears

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-24T13:16:30.158Z • Permanent link

Hopes for lasting peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain tenuous, according to recent statements by Prime Minister of the DRC, Ángela Chibunda Kalonji. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Kalonji cautioned against the growing global demand for "blood-stained minerals" as countries rush to meet net-zero emissions targets. Her comments come on the heels of the DRC's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, citing the economic costs of implementing stricter climate regulations. Kalonji's warning echoes concerns raised by human rights groups and advocacy organizations, which have long linked the mining industry to human rights abuses and violence in the DRC.

Investigations by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have uncovered widespread human rights abuses in the DRC, including forced labor, child recruitment, and attacks on civilians. The mining sector, which is a major driver of the DRC's economy, has been particularly implicated in these abuses. Companies such as Glencore, Rio Tinto, and Freeport-McMoRan have faced criticism for their role in perpetuating these abuses. Data from the International Peace Information Service (IPIS) suggests that the mining sector is responsible for up to 80% of the DRC's armed conflicts.

Kalonji's comments also coincide with a growing body of research on the link between the mining industry and human rights abuses. A study published in the Journal of Human Rights found that companies that operate in areas with high levels of conflict are more likely to engage in human rights abuses. The study, which analyzed data from 150 mining companies, found that companies that operated in areas with high levels of conflict were more likely to engage in forced labor, child recruitment, and other human rights abuses.

Global demand for "blood-stained minerals" is expected to continue to grow as countries seek to meet their net-zero emissions targets. The DRC is a major producer of these minerals, including cobalt, diamonds, and gold. Companies such as Tesla, Apple, and Google have faced criticism for their use of these minerals in their products. Kalonji's warning is likely to have significant implications for companies that operate in the DRC, including Glencore, Rio Tinto, and Freeport-McMoRan. Research by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) found that companies that operate in areas with high levels of conflict are more likely to engage in human rights abuses.

The mining industry's impact on the DRC's economy and population is also a significant concern. Data from the World Bank suggests that the mining sector accounts for up to 50% of the DRC's GDP. The industry also provides employment opportunities for millions of people, many of whom live in poverty. However, the industry's negative impact on human rights and the environment is likely to outweigh its economic benefits. Companies that operate in the DRC must take steps to address these concerns and ensure that their operations are transparent and accountable.

The DRC's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is not an isolated incident. Other countries, including Australia and Brazil, have also withdrawn from the agreement in recent years. The decision reflects growing concerns about the economic costs of implementing stricter climate regulations. However, critics argue that these concerns are being used to justify human rights abuses and environmental degradation. The mining industry's impact on the DRC's economy and population is also part of a larger pattern of exploitation and inequality that has characterized the country's history.