According to DRC authorities, Apple’s European subsidiaries are accused of serious practices, including concealment of war crimes, laundering conflict minerals, receiving stolen goods, and promoting deceptive business practices. The country’s lawyers claim the company uses misleading rhetoric to assure consumers that its supply chain is ethical and sustainable.
Hypocrate Marume, a civil society representative in South Kivu, praised the Congolese Government’s initiative and emphasized the urgency of protecting populations affected by mineral trafficking. “This is a great relief for us, the people of the East,” he stated. Marume also called for support from civil society organizations to ensure that DRC lawyers can secure compensation for the damages caused.
Lack of Response from Apple
This complaint follows a formal notice sent last April, to which Apple reportedly did not respond. At the time, the company denied accusations of involvement in the use of “blood minerals”—resources extracted under exploitative conditions or controlled by armed groups. Now, the DRC claims to have obtained new evidence, including whistleblower testimonies, that bolster the accusations.
A statement released by Congolese lawyers says the objective of the legal action is to hold companies and individuals involved in the extraction and trade of looted minerals in the DRC accountable.
Critical Situation in Congolese Mines
Mineral exploitation in the Kivu and Katanga provinces remains largely unregulated. Companies and armed groups control mining concessions without oversight from authorities, who often fail to collect taxes or protect local populations.
Environmental activists have also criticized the Congolese Government, accusing it of failing to safeguard the country’s natural resources. One activist, who requested anonymity, stated that authorities “sell” mining zones without ensuring benefits for surrounding communities, drawing parallels with hydrocarbon exploitation.
While many citizens support the complaint against Apple, others believe the Government should first focus on cracking down on illegal operators who facilitate the export of minerals to neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda.
The case, now in European courts, could mark a new chapter in the fight for transparency and justice in the exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources.
DW, 20/12/2024
