For more than three centuries, the Global West has cultivated a culture rooted in mercantilism. Initially, mercantilism posited that colonies existed solely for the economic benefit of the mother country, ensuring a one-sided flow of wealth through the extraction of raw materials and the sale of finished goods. Over time, this ideology expanded beyond gold and silver to encompass minerals, oil, gas, and commodities at large. Today, this lens continues to shape Western narratives about conflicts in Africa, projecting a worldview that prioritizes wealth accumulation over the proclaimed values of humanity. The DRC as an Illustration of Western Mindset The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a quintessential example of how mercantilist priorities have influenced the framing of conflicts. For over 30 years, the crises in the DRC have ostensibly revolved around governance issues, ethnic tensions, and community struggles. Yet, these human dimensions have been systematically overshadowed by a relentless focus on mineral extraction, as perpetuated by mainstream narratives. The current crisis, which began three years ago, exemplifies this distortion. The conflict involves the M23 movement, an armed force that traces its roots to earlier resistance groups formed during the overthrow of the Mobutu regime. Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, genocidal forces fled into Zaire (now DRC), with support from Mobutu Sese Seko. These forces, responsible for killing over a million Tutsi, settled near Rwanda’s borders, launching attacks to destabilize Rwanda and reclaim power. Despite repeated calls for international intervention, Rwanda was compelled to act unilaterally, aligning with opposition forces to bring down Mobutu in the First Congo War. The Evolution of Conflict and the Entrenchment of Genocidal Forces After Mobutu's overthrow, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, once an ally of Rwanda, turned against his benefactors, aligning with regional powers and reviving the genocidal forces as the FDLR (Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda). This betrayal sparked the Second Congo War, lasting five years and involving multiple regional players. Despite the Sun City Agreement, which ostensibly brought peace, the core issues—notably the presence of the FDLR—remained unresolved. This failure led to the formation of successive resistance movements like the CNDP (Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple) and later the M23. For decades, these conflicts have been marked by violence against vulnerable communities, particularly the Congolese Banyarwanda, who have been systematically targeted. Despite the displacement of millions and the normalization of extreme violence, international organizations have largely ignored these atrocities, instead portraying the armed resistance of affected communities as the primary problem. Minerals: The Shift in Narrative A significant shift in the Western narrative occurred with the rise of new technologies in the 1990s, which increased demand for critical minerals like coltan. The land of the Congolese Banyarwanda, historically a farming hub, was suddenly redefined as a “mineral-rich” region. This rebranding conveniently redirected attention from human suffering to “illegal mining,” turning the victims of genocidal violence into villains in the eyes of international reports and media. Successive UN reports and Western-backed narratives have amplified this distortion. They focus overwhelmingly on mineral extraction, ignoring the humanitarian crisis and the complicity of the Congolese government in perpetuating violence. Meanwhile, Kinshasa’s leaders, from Kabila to Tshisekedi, have maintained alliances with the FDLR, weaponizing them against both the Congolese Banyarwanda and Rwanda. Mercantilism Over Humanism The Western obsession with minerals—tantalum, coltan, and others—has transformed the tragedy of the DRC into a story of mercantile greed. Human rights organizations and media outlets perpetuate a fabricated reality, branding genocidaires as victims while vilifying those resisting violence. This reflects a deep-seated prioritization of materialism over humanism, with Western governments and institutions prioritizing access to resources over the lives and dignity of African communities. Rwanda’s Stance: Security and Sovereignty Amid this chaos, Rwanda has rebuilt itself from the ashes of genocide into a model of governance and resilience. Hosting over 100,000 Congolese refugees for three decades, Rwanda has demonstrated a commitment to humanity that stands in stark contrast to the narratives imposed by Western powers. Yet, these same powers continue to blackmail Rwanda, projecting their own materialistic motivations onto a nation determined to ensure its security and sovereignty. Rwanda’s rebirth is a testament to its refusal to let history repeat itself. While Western narratives focus on minerals, Rwanda’s actions are guided by a commitment to protect its people and ensure regional stability. The international community must recognize this reality and move beyond the mercantilist mindset that has long defined its engagement with Africa. A Call for Truth and Justice The DRC crisis is not merely a conflict over resources; it is a humanitarian tragedy exacerbated by irresponsible leadership and complicit international narratives. To address the root causes, the world must embrace intellectual honesty, prioritizing human lives over economic interests. Anything less perpetuates the cycles of violence and exploitation that have plagued the region for decades. Rwanda, having emerged as a beacon of progress and stability, cannot and will not tolerate another genocidal catastrophe at its doorstep. It is time for the world to align its actions with its professed values of humanity, rather than continuing to prioritize mercantile greed.
