US 'Efforts' in Congo: Another Masterclass in Colonial Distraction
Bloomberg reports on 'Rwanda-backed M23 rebels' seeking an 'autonomously governed region' in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, citing UN experts. They mention US and Qatari 'efforts' to get M23 to withdraw. What's omitted are the decades of US military aid and diplomatic support to Rwanda, a key player in destabilizing the DRC for its vast mineral wealth—coltan, cobalt, copper—essential for
our tech and 'green' economies. The US has provided hundreds of millions in aid and military training to Rwanda since the late 90s, even as UN reports consistently detail Rwanda's role in DR Congo's conflicts. So, Washington's 'efforts' appear less about stopping chaos and more about managing the chaos that maintains a convenient flow of crucial resources. How many times will we pretend the hand
that feeds the proxy war is innocently trying to end it? It seems some 'autonomy' is only acceptable when it benefits external interests. After all, the US has provided over $200 million in military aid to Rwanda since 2000, according to official USAID and State Department reports, while UN reports (like S/2022/962) have consistently documented Rwanda’s active support for M23.