### Echoes of a Crisis: DRC, Rwanda and the World Economy in Precarious Balance
During the emergency session of the UN Security Council, held this Sunday, January 27, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, expressed major concerns about the repercussions of a dramatic situation. Beyond the humanitarian and military issues, the economic ramifications of this conflict are redefining the global geopolitical landscape, highlighting the inextricability of regional and global interests.
#### A Conflict with Many Faces
The growing violence in eastern DRC, exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged support for armed groups such as the M23, is not simply a tragic news story. It is indicative of a more complex dynamic where economic, geopolitical and social interests are intertwined. Far from being just a regional crisis, this situation gives the DRC a strategic role on the international scene, particularly in view of the mineral resources it hosts.
It is crucial to note that Congo holds approximately 60% of the world’s cobalt reserves, and plays a vital role in supplying the electric vehicle battery industry. This temporal paradox between the urgent need to preserve human rights and support sustainable industrial developments underlines the ethical dilemma the world faces today. As powers seek to accelerate the energy transition, instability in this region could compromise their ambitions.
#### An Ethical Reflection on the Exploitation of Resources
In analyzing this conflict, it becomes essential to consider the ethical implications linked to the exploitation of natural resources. The DRC is mechanically seen as a supplier of raw materials, but at what cost to its population? The support of some states for armed groups to control these resources raises fundamental questions about the morality of economic choices. The sanctions called for by the DRC, including those targeting individuals responsible in Rwanda, may not be enough if these decisions are not accompanied by a development strategy focused on the protection of human rights and long-term stability.
#### Implications for the Global Economy
The interconnectedness of global markets means that the conflict in the DRC is not an isolated event. Fluctuations in commodity prices, in response to instability, can be seen immediately in markets. Companies that depend on the supply of cobalt and other minerals will have to navigate an uncertain environment, with potentially disastrous impacts on supply chains.. Furthermore, a World Bank report recently showed that disruptions related to this type of conflict can lead to a 20% to 30% increase in prices for some key raw materials, causing a domino effect on dependent industries.
#### An Opportunity for Sustainable Change
Far from being a simple struggle for resources, this crisis in the DRC should be seen as an opportunity to reassess established policies. It is imperative that the international community adopts an approach that integrates environmental sustainability and human rights as the foundations of its economic interventions.
The universality of technology could also play a crucial role in this dynamic. As nations struggle for more responsible control of resources, adopting ethical extraction practices and developing recycling technologies could reduce dependence on conflict zones for raw materials. The recent development of recycled lithium batteries in countries such as Australia presents an example of what could be done, offering a viable alternative to the dependence on Congolese cobalt.
#### Conclusion: A Call to Enlightened Action
In conclusion, as journalists and observers of the geopolitical scene, our role is to condemn violence and injustice while calling for a deepening of strategies for long-term solutions. The situation in the DRC offers us a shocking mirror of our global economic choices, reminding us that the quest for economic comfort should not eclipse humanity.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner’s cry of alarm is not only an anchor in the political debate, but also a poignant call to the international community to ward off the specter of destructive interference and call for benevolent solidarity, allowing us to build a future where access to natural resources does not come at the expense of peace and human development. More than ever, it is crucial to take a clear look at how decisions made today will shape the contours of our global economy tomorrow.
This critical period is therefore a time for collective reflection and concerted action. Through enlightened solidarity and a shared desire for change, we can hope to see history evolve towards a future where human well-being and economic progress coexist harmoniously, far from tumult and devastation.