In the complex arena of global affairs, certain narratives become so deeply entrenched that they assume an unquestionable authority. One such narrative that has gained significant traction revolves around Rwanda’s alleged theft of Congolese minerals through its supposed support of the Congolese M23 rebels. However, the repetitive nature of the Rwanda-centric narrative compels us to question the authenticity of the claims and delve into the broader geopolitical interests that may underpin and perpetuate this narrative. Let’s kick off with the rock-solid evidence presented by the United Nations Groups of Experts, the beacons of “reliability” and “accuracy” according to their fervent admirers. They reveal that there is no trace of the M23 Congolese rebels ever gaining control over areas where mineral extraction activities thrive. Well, isn’t that a bummer for those who accused Rwanda of Congolese minerals heist through their alleged support of these rebels? Now, let’s ponder the motives behind these accusations. Are they simply misguided, exaggerated, or perhaps driven by ulterior motives? In actuality, the accusations leveled against Rwanda, disseminating rapidly and without restraint, are conspicuously devoid of any substantive empirical evidence or logical coherence. It appears that those who propagate these narratives conveniently disregard the intricate prerequisites of mineral extraction, such as the necessity for technical expertise and the establishment of proper machinery. Unless, of course, we are expected to entertain the notion that the Congolese rebels, in the midst of their battles of survival, wield not only firearms but also rudimentary pickaxes and shovels, thereby miraculously transforming into an unconventional force of mining magnates. Such a proposition, clearly bordering on the absurd, warrants a critical appraisal of the veracity and plausibility of these allegations. Furthermore, we simply cannot ignore the stark reality experienced by the communities residing in regions supposedly under the control of the M23 rebels. Despite the notion of a dazzling mineral boom, these communities find themselves trapped in a perpetual cycle of poverty, devoid of proper infrastructure and access to essential services. It is rather perplexing, isn’t it? If indeed the rebels were amassing wealth through mineral extraction, one would expect a glimmer of prosperity to have graced these communities prior to the rebels’ resurgence. Alas, their ongoing struggle serves as a striking contradiction to the narrative of rebel enrichment through mineral exploitation. Without a doubt, some self-proclaimed experts hailed the rebels’ occupation of the Bunagana border crossing as a move to control Congo’s mineral export route. How fascinating it is to remind them that the Bunagana border crossing actually lies with Uganda, not Rwanda! But wait, even with this geographical blunder, those eager to blame Rwanda conveniently ignored the fact that mineral exporters promptly found alternative routes to transport their precious ore, as instructed by the North Kivu military governor, who warned them of the dire consequences they would face if they dared to use the previously controlled crossing. And how about the accusation of cross-border smuggling and illicit trade of minerals? Let us not be too hasty in assigning blame to Rwanda, for it takes two to tango, does it not? The Congolese government, as a primary stakeholder, bears the onus of implementing robust border control mechanisms and diligently combating illegal activities within its jurisdiction. After all, it would be quite preposterous to assume that minerals from the DRC simply vanish into thin air, only to miraculously reappear in Rwanda. The involvement of local actors, internal elites, and well-connected individuals in the profitable enterprise of mineral exploitation cannot be overlooked or discounted. Indeed, in the quest for truth, we must move inward, towards the internal actors within the DRC itself. The Congolese state itself, a vast fragile construct teetering on the edge of existence, serves as a fertile ground for corruption and exploitation. The absence of effective governance, coupled with a lack of control over mineral resources, creates a breeding ground for those eager to seize the spoils for personal gain at the expense of the Congolese people. But you see, blaming Rwanda allows the Congolese government to conveniently sidestep its own responsibilities. By shifting blame towards Rwanda, they masterfully manoeuvre themselves out of the spotlight of scrutiny, absolving themselves of any culpability. “Oh, it’s Rwanda’s fault!” Their aim? To divert attention away from their own governance woes, their labyrinthine corruption scandals, and the deep-rooted flaws within their system, which leaves the population trapped in poverty and deprived of the potential benefits of the DRC’s mineral wealth. In the end, the unwavering dedication to the Rwanda-centric narrative is not without its Western hidden agenda. It serves a dual purpose, carefully crafted to shield certain Western companies and nations from prying eyes and cast a captivating spotlight on Rwanda’s alleged misdeeds in the Congolese mineral trade. By unleashing their army of journalists to obsessively fixate on Rwanda and stoke the flames of inter-African tensions, they deftly manipulate the narrative, ensuring that their own culpability in the exploitation of Congo’s minerals remains safely concealed in the shadows. Such is the astounding reality in which we find ourselves, where the powers that be and Congolese political elites continue to flourish, perpetuating a twisted reality where the truth remains elusive and obscured.
