Congo’s mineral wealth fuels conflict, complicating peacekeeper withdrawal

In eastern Congo, the government and public want the United Nations peacekeeping force to leave, but escalating violence and mineral-driven conflict create significant challenges for its planned exit.

Sam Mednick and Ruth Alonga report for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Congo’s eastern region, rich in minerals vital to global tech, is marred by conflicts involving numerous armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23.
• The U.N. force, MONUSCO, struggles to provide effective security, as many locals express frustration with its limited defensive operations.
• Delays in the U.N. withdrawal, originally set for December, stem from fears of a security vacuum that could further endanger millions of displaced civilians.

Key quote:

"You can see that MONUSCO is there, but that’s in name only ... People are dying, but it does nothing."

— Maombie Aline, a displaced person in Goma

Why this matters:

Congo's eastern violence is partly driven by global demand for minerals like cobalt and tantalum, essential in electronics. As the U.N. struggles to stabilize the region, mineral smuggling and foreign interests intensify, leaving millions of civilians vulnerable and peace elusive.