Investigation Claims Global Brands 'Likely' Used Rebel-Funded Coltan from DRC
A new investigation by Global Witness suggests that leading global brands, including Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony, may have sourced coltan linked to the M23 militia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The report indicates these companies likely but unknowingly acquired coltan smuggled from mines occupied by the M23 rebels, a group accused of widespread sexual violence, summary executions, and torture in eastern DRC. Coltan is a mineral commonly used in manufacturing phones and other electronic devices.
A new investigation by Global Witness has found that leading global brands are "likely" to have sourced minerals linked to a militia accused of atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The investigation claims that companies such as Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony may have unknowingly acquired coltan from supply chains controlled by the M23 rebel group. Coltan is a crucial mineral used in phones and other electronic devices.
The M23 militia, which occupies mines in eastern DRC, has been accused of widespread sexual violence, summary executions, torture, and numerous other atrocities in the region.
The report suggests that the companies allegedly acquired the smuggled coltan without knowledge of its origins or the rebel group's involvement.
According to The Guardian World, these findings stem from the Global Witness investigation.
