Global brands ‘likely’ using mineral that funds rebels accused of atrocities in DRC, investigation finds

AI Summary

A Global Witness investigation alleges that major brands like Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony have likely sourced coltan from mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo controlled by the M23 rebel militia accused of atrocities. The minerals, integral to phones and electronics, are linked to violence including sexual abuse and executions in eastern DRC.

Amazon and Sony among firms that may have sourced coltan, used in phones, from supply chains controlled by the M23 rebels, says Global Witness Leading global brands including Amazon, Ericsson and Sony are “likely” to have sourced minerals linked to a militia accused of widespread sexual violence, summary executions and torture, a new investigation claims. The companies allegedlybut unknowingly, acquired coltan smuggled from mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that are occupied by the M23 militia, which has committed myriad atrocities in eastern DRC. Continue reading...