**The DRC’s Resource Conundrum: Economic Potential Under the Yoke of Violence**
At the 31st edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba forum, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Judith Suminwa Tuluka, highlighted the urgent need to act in the face of international indifference to the illegal exploitation of her country’s mineral resources. This statement, far from being a simple call for help, is part of a broader picture that raises a fundamental question: how can we transform enormous economic potential into a reality of sustainable prosperity, without the profits being diverted to fuel armed conflicts?
### A Double-Edged Mineral Wealth
The DRC holds immense reserves of copper and cobalt, minerals essential for the global energy transition. Yet while demand for these resources only increases—with projections that the global cobalt market could reach $100 billion by 2030—the DRC remains trapped in a cycle of poverty and instability. Indeed, a study by the Institute for International Development found that 67% of revenues from mining escape the Congolese state’s finances, due to corruption and administrative inefficiency.
The situation in Goma perfectly illustrates this paradox: while the country is overflowing with wealth, conflicts like those orchestrated by the M23 force millions of Congolese to flee their homes, with a clearly immeasurable human cost measured by the 773 deaths reported by the Presidency. This armed violence generated by the need to extract minerals fuels a vicious cycle that must be broken.
### Surface reforms, but how deep?
The reforms announced by the Congolese government, such as the relaxation of tax requirements and the strengthening of partnerships with mining operators, are undoubtedly necessary. However, a prevalent question remains: is the surface of the reforms sufficient to bring about fundamental changes? Countries like Ghana, which have succeeded in better managing their mineral resources, have put in place strict regulations on the traceability of minerals, and these efforts have positioned the country as a model in Africa.
Beyond internal reforms, the responsibility of international actors must be both scrutinized and reworked. Multinationals active in the DRC have a duty to engage not only in sustainable development practices, but also to invest in the well-being of local communities. According to the United Nations Development Program, the DRC could achieve a 300% increase in its revenues if strict traceability and ethics measures were put in place.
### The challenge of economic sovereignty
The delicate situation of the DRC also raises a question of economic sovereignty. The country has what it takes to be a leader in the African mining sector. The establishment of a transparent, competitive and sustainable mining market is essential. Traceability mechanisms, such as certificates of origin and in-depth auditing practices, should become the norm. Examples of successful certification systems in place in other countries could serve as a model, going beyond both health and congenital issues.
### The role of foreign actors: a shared responsibility
The international community has a fundamental role to play in transforming the DRC into an environment where mining benefits everyone, and not a minority, often to the detriment of social cohesion. The short-term profit logic of foreign actors must give way to a long-term vision that promotes local development. At a time when investors are looking for ethical markets, the DRC has considerable capital to offer, provided that the economic wars being waged on its soil are stopped.
### Conclusion: Towards a paradigm shift
Judith Suminwa’s call is a resounding alarm. The DRC is at a crucial crossroads: capitalizing on its immense resources while ensuring peace and prosperity for its population. By forging an alliance between the government, international companies and the international community, the DRC can not only hope to emerge from the shadow of conflict, but could also transform its resources into an engine of sustainable economic growth. The shift from an extractive economy to an innovation and development economy could redefine the DRC as a model of success for the rest of the African continent.
It is time to act. Fatshimetrie.org is committed to monitoring the evolution of this situation, shedding critical light on the issues affecting both the Democratic Republic of Congo and its economic future.