The wealth of the world's most successful enterprises and richest nations has long been built off of the exploitation and plunder of Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo especially has served as the backbone of the world economy, providing many of the materials needed for the accumulation of wealth - while reaping almost none of the benefits. Apple is one example of a company that relies heavily on the use of coltan in order to develop technologies such as its laptops, smartphones and tablets. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to 64% of the world’s coltan. Coltan allows for electrical charges to be stored in small devices known as capacitors, making the mineral indispensable for the production of many modern electronics. Coltan mining has been the source of tremendous conflict and violence in the eastern DRC. Neighbouring countries Rwanda and Uganda are accused of waging warfare by proxy in order to smuggle coltan and other minerals across their borders. Due to conflict, roughly six-million people have been killed in the DRC since 1996. Furthermore, the coltan-extraction sector is notorious for the exploitation of children, who often labour in the mines in high-risk conditions. About 40,000 children and adolescents are estimated to work in coltan mines in Congo. Other companies that rely on coltan for their production include Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Samsung, Toyota, Tesla, Dell, Ford, BMW, General Motors, LG, Sony, Volkswagen and many more. Apart from laptops, smartphones and tablets, coltan is also used in the production of electric cars, jet engines, rockets, X-ray film, hearing aids, pacemakers, digital cameras and camcorders, prosthetic devices, video game consoles, GPS systems, airbags and more. So why isn’t DRC among the richest nations on the planet right now?
@african_stream Blame the Congo then, I don’t believe Black peoples are capable of governing themselves, just look around the world.
@african_stream Good question! Why isn't DRC among the richest nations in the world right now? The answers you seek lies within your country. Your leaders are responsible. So hold them accountable.
@african_stream This has been going on for centuries, dating back to the fifteenth century and beyond. Both Europeans and Arabs have profited from this exploitation of Africa. It's the biggest reason much of the continent is impoverished and Africa has been denied its proper role in the world.
@african_stream I think you answered your own question🤔
@african_stream More people will die over this in the future. The USA will be involved I bet since apple can pay officials here. Giving black Americans reparations gives them money to access lobbying in us congress as citizens over aipac or the ability to leave with what they know. Take notes.
@african_stream Along with other companies as well
@african_stream Love this support for Congo. Still trying to understand who specifically is in charge of the mines and the current regime of people mining for pennies
@african_stream I love it that Congo is now the backbone of the global economy.