It was reported Friday, that the genocidal militia, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, known by the acronym FDLR, still maintain a considerable grip on DR Congo minerals.

The reports indicate that the forces responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continue to exploit minerals in Eastern Congo.

The minerals include Coltan and Cassiterite, the former being a component in the manufacture of mobile phones and other electronic devices.

This implies that the illegal exploitation of these minerals by the FDLR has an international dimension since these devices are not manufactured in this region.

Consequently, it is important to note, that those who provide a market for the illegal minerals supplied by the militia group, are complicit in the atrocities that are being meted out on the population in Eastern Congo.

Moreover, they are aiding and abetting the militia’s capacity to make war, rape, and loot with impunity. This undermines ongoing efforts to dismantle the militia.

It is imperative for those who buy the minerals from the militia to be investigated and put on an international black list.

Many of the political leaders of FDLR, who live in Europe and North America, are well known, and should be brought to book since they serve as the links between the militia in the jungles and those who buy the illegal minerals.

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