### Denis Mukwege’s Urgent Appeal: Towards a Reconsideration of International Relations in the Face of Destabilization in the DRC
On January 10, 2025, Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize winner and fervent human rights defender, once again shed a harsh light on the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following revelations by a UN group of experts on the illicit exploitation of mineral resources, Mukwege calls on the international community to adopt targeted sanctions against Rwanda, accused of actively supporting the M23 rebel movement. But what is really behind this crisis, and why is it crucial to act now?
#### A Complex and Systemic Conflict
There is no doubt that the resource-rich DRC is also a terrain of complex conflicts where regional rivalries and international interests intersect. The West has often been accused of turning a blind eye to Rwandan actions, due to a lack of strong political will or because economic interests often trump human rights. Mineral resources, such as coltan, are at the center of this debate. The M23 is estimated to control the trade of about 120 tons of coltan per month, generating millions for shadowy actors often protected by strategic alliances.
Interestingly, according to a recent study, Congolese coltan represents nearly 80% of global reserves, making this region of crucial importance in the fight for technological supplies. In a world increasingly dependent on digital technologies and energy transitions—where lithium and coltan have become indispensable—the DRC is at the heart of global concerns while being the victim of an endless cycle of violence and exploitation.
#### Mukwege: An Ethical Leader Urging Determined Action
In his speech, Mukwege took an unambiguous position. “Strong sanctions must be adopted against the actors of destabilization,” he said. This speech echoes growing concerns among democratic states about the need to exercise ethical scruples in the face of human rights violations. Yet some observers question whether sanctions alone will be enough to bring about lasting change in such a volatile context.
A comparative analysis of the situation in Ukraine, where economic sanctions began after the annexation of Crimea, shows that similar measures could go beyond punitive action to engender international solidarity. However, success requires close coordination among nations, which must be prepared to put short-term economic interests aside for the sake of long-term stability in Africa..
#### The Meeting of Ethics and Economy
One may wonder: what will be the impact of sanctions on the local economy and vulnerable populations, often trapped in these conflicts? Experience has shown that sanctions, when not applied intelligently, can worsen the humanitarian situation rather than bring relief.
Mukwege points an accusing finger at this “war economy” that is raging in the region, also calling for an overhaul of international trade practices. Between the need for minerals to support the energy transition and the miserable living conditions of the local population, there is a flagrant contradiction that calls for a deeper reflection on the current economic model.
### Conclusion: A Need for Solidarity
Beyond words, committing to improving the living conditions of the Congolese must be iconic for the international community. As Mukwege points out, it is imperative to go beyond lip service to condemnation: action also means restoring the right to life and human dignity for the millions of Congolese affected by conflict.
Dr. Mukwege’s courageous voice may represent the DRC’s last chance to finally see the emergence of a sustainable peace policy that, in an interconnected world, commands our collective attention. Resolving this conflict requires combining ethics and economic interests, to ensure that future generations can inherit a peaceful DRC, rich not only in resources, but also in human dignity.