Economic Freedom Fighters Accuses U.S. of Exploiting Congo's Instability

Following the November 5, 2024 elections, reactions across Africa varied, particularly from South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. In a statement published on November 6, EFF leaders, under Julius Malema, criticized U.S. political involvement, alleging it endorsed instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They argued that the U.S. exploits the country’s mineral wealth amidst ongoing conflict among numerous rebel groups. Contrary to these claims, the United States has publicly condemned violence and enacted laws aimed at preventing the trade in stolen minerals originating from conflict zones. Such legal frameworks, including the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, require U.S. companies to ensure that their mineral sources are conflict-free. Furthermore, accusations against Rwanda and Uganda for exacerbating conflict in Congo have grown, as Congolese officials claim these neighboring nations have facilitated illegal mining operations in collaboration with militant groups like M23. The U.S. has also taken a firm stance, sanctioning these groups involved in the exploitation of Congo's resources, illustrating a complex geopolitical scenario intertwining international relations and local conflicts.