Colonialism does not only enslave its victims but also leaves deep scars that persist long after nations gain independence. History is replete with examples of the lasting damage inflicted by colonial rule, with many former colonies struggling with instability and conflict even after decades of liberation. Rather than fading over time, these scars often deepen, leaving wounds that seem impossible to heal.
One of the most striking examples is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a Central African nation that gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Despite being the second-largest country in Africa by land area, the DRC ranks 44th out of 54 African nations in per capita GDP. Rich in minerals and natural resources, it paradoxically remains one of the five poorest countries in the world, plagued by relentless political instability since its independence. A long history of conflict, political upheaval, and ethnic violence has devastated the country, with numerous community-based armed groups engaging in some of the most brutal acts of violence.
The root cause of the DRC’s instability lies in its colonial history. The country was artificially created by colonial powers, which drew borders that merged ethnic groups with longstanding hostilities. These groups were forced into a nation that existed only on paper, lacking cultural or religious unity. This imposed structure laid the foundation for internal conflicts that persist to this day.
Another major driver of the DRC’s ongoing violence is the competition for control over its vast natural resources. The country possesses significant deposits of diamonds, gold, cobalt, copper, tantalum, tin, and rare earth elements (REEs). While the world is familiar with the term "Blood Diamond," referring to diamonds mined in conflict zones and used to fund armed groups, fewer people are aware of the growing demand for other minerals from the eastern DRC. Cobalt, copper, and tantalum are particularly sought after for their use in electronic devices, such as smart phones and laptops.
Tantalum, an REE, is crucial for manufacturing capacitors that store large amounts of electricity, making it essential for modern electronics. The high global demand for these minerals has fuelled continued conflict, as various armed groups fight for control over mining operations. It is likely that some of the tantalum used in the smart phones we hold today comes from these conflict-ridden regions, a phenomenon that could be termed "Blood Tantalum."
Since gaining independence, the DRC has been ruled by authoritarian regimes and plagued by military violence. Powerful nations and multinational corporations have vested interests in the DRC’s mineral wealth, often exploiting the country through cheap, hazardous mining methods that put miners at great risk. Many of these mines, especially in the eastern region, are controlled by a rebel group known as M3. This group is suspected of mining and smuggling tantalum to neighbouring Rwanda, where it is certified and sold as conflict-free.
Government forces have been largely ineffective in suppressing the armed groups operating in eastern Congo. In many cases, they themselves resort to extreme violence against civilians. Both government troops and rebel forces are known to use rape and mutilation as weapons of war. While global attention is focused on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the suffering of the Congolese people goes largely unnoticed. Meanwhile, influential nations and corporations continue to finance foreign mercenaries to secure their supply of critical minerals.
Perhaps only if the DRC were to halt the supply of its minerals and rare earth elements would the world take notice and reconsider its priorities. However, given the powerful interests at play, such a scenario remains a distant dream.
