Congo, Coltan, Cash and Crisis!

Violence in Congo is something that I had heard about in connection with my interest in women’s rights. However, last night my eyes and ears really began to open wide to understand the complexity of the situation.

As with so many wars before and unfortunately I’m sure in the future, once you look below the layers you find money as one of the roots of violence. In the “African World War”, as the Congo conflict has been dubbed, is no exception.
The mineral Coltan (Colombo-tantalite) is used in cellphones, laptops and other technology. Corporations have a lack of resources ( and desire) to trace the origins of the coltan used in their product. It is likely that the computer you are reading this blog from contains Congolese coltan. Especially since 80% of the world’s reserves of coltan are found in the Congo region.
Coltan’s problems are far reaching.
Many warlords have been displacing farmers from their land to mine the stuff. This also destroys habitat for the already vulnerable mountain gorilla population.

Working conditions in the mines are dangerous and authoritative.

Not to mention the way the profits are being used to fuel the war and violence against women in the region.
This is an issue that I believe we should all investigate more. As an informed individual I was flabbergasted by this information and felt the urgency to tell others about it. As I learn more I will continue to post more about it!