Democratic Republic of Congo Accuses Apple of Conflict Mineral Violations

Intense clashes between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) army and the M23 rebels have resulted in at least 100 fatalities and 1,000 injuries in the city of Goma over the past three days. The fighting erupted after M23 fighters, allegedly backed by Rwanda, entered the city on Sunday, creating a dire humanitarian crisis, as noted by Jens Laerke from the UN humanitarian office. Local hospitals are overwhelmed with victims suffering from gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than 100 patients with severe injuries were admitted within 24 hours, primarily children. The conflict has displaced over 500,000 people since January, according to DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. Protests have erupted in Kinshasa, the capital, against perceived foreign complicity in the violence, leading to the attacks on several embassies. The U.S. has advised its citizens in Goma to shelter in place and to leave the country as soon as possible. The M23 militia is one of over 100 armed factions vying for control of the mineral-rich eastern DRC, a region critical for the production of tantalum and cobalt.

In response to the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi has urged young people to enlist in the military as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels continue their advance. According to local sources reported by Agence France-Presse, the M23 group recently captured two districts in South Kivu province, moving closer to the provincial capital Bukavu without encountering significant resistance. During a late-night address, Tshisekedi committed to a "vigorous and coordinated response" to the rebels, criticizing the international community for its perceived inaction amid worsening security conditions that could destabilize the broader Great Lakes region. Following the capture of Goma, a key city in North Kivu, Tshisekedi emphasized the need for citizens to join the military, stressing that they are "the spearhead of our country." The conflict has drawn international condemnation, with the United States expressing concern over the violence and the UK threatening to withhold aid to Rwanda. Despite these pressures, Rwandan officials assert that the M23's military efforts are necessary to combat DRC-based armed groups.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to launch a "vigorous and coordinated" military response against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have captured significant territory in the eastern city of Goma and are reportedly advancing southward. In a televised address, he criticized the international community for its inaction amid the escalating security crisis, which has displaced approximately 500,000 people, according to the United Nations. Tshisekedi urged all Congolese citizens to unite in support of the armed forces, asserting, "The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed." As the conflict intensifies, the city of Goma faces severe shortages of water, electricity, and food supplies. Regional leaders, including Rwanda's Paul Kagame and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, recently exchanged sharp words over the conflict, exacerbating tensions. Meanwhile, Angola has called for an urgent meeting between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Luanda to facilitate peace talks that have previously failed to ease hostilities. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as fighting continues between armed groups, with the international community pressed to intervene.