Home Business DR Congo Sues Apple Over Use of Minerals from Conflict Zones
BusinessNews

DR Congo Sues Apple Over Use of Minerals from Conflict Zones

523
Congo Sues Apple
Tin Ore [thanasus | Credit: Getty Images/iStock

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints against Apple in France and Belgium. The government accused the tech giant of using minerals from conflict zones in its supply chain. These minerals were sourced from areas controlled by armed groups involved in human rights abuses.

The case centres on tin, tantalum, and tungsten, materials essential in electronic devices. Congo is a key global supplier of these minerals. However, many mines in the region are run by armed groups accused of violence, including mass killings and sexual crimes.

Apple denied the allegations via a statement to Reuters. The company claimed that it instructed its suppliers earlier this year to stop sourcing minerals from Congo and Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict. It also claimed that most of the minerals in its products are recycled.

The complaints allege that Apple and its subsidiaries in France and Belgium are complicit in war crimes. They are also accused of laundering conflict-linked minerals and misleading consumers about the integrity of their supply chains. Lawyers for the DRC argue that Apple uses flawed certification schemes, such as ITSCI, to falsely portray its supply chain as ethical.

France and Belgium were chosen for the complaints due to their focus on corporate accountability. Authorities in both countries will decide whether to investigate further.

This legal action comes amid continued violence in eastern Congo. Armed groups reportedly fund their activities through mineral exports, worsening a conflict that has killed millions and displaced many more. Congo’s legal team called this a first step in holding major tech companies accountable. They expect that it will help stop the exploitation of the country’s resources.

Read More:

NBS Data Reveals Nigerians Paid ₦2.23tn in Ransom Between May 2023 and April 2024, Despite ₦3.85tn Security Budget

CBN Sets Daily PoS Withdrawal Limit to N100,000, Imposes N500,000 Weekly Limit

About The Author

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

Ghana's transit trade
NewsTravel

Ghana Defends Decision to Accept U.S. Deportees, Rejects Claims of Endorsing Trump’s Immigration Policy

Ghana’s government has defended its decision to accept West African migrants deported...

In a ministerial meeting of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) held in Bamako on January 16, 2025, key decisions emerging from the session include establishing a Regional Investment Bank and launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states.
News

Niamey Hosts Second Meeting Of Justice Ministers of CSS, Discussions Focus on Judicial Reforms and Regional Integration

Niamey on Monday played host to the second meeting of justice ministers...

News

Former Niger Minister Ibrahim Yacoubou Questioned Over Alleged Human Sacrifice Case

The Attorney General at the Niamey Court of Appeal has confirmed that...

Amusan
News

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan Wins Silver In 100m Hurdles At World Championships

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has clinched the silver medal in the women’s 100m...