On January 27, rebel groups allegedly supported by Rwanda invaded Congo, serving as a reminder of the fragile state of Africa's Great Lakes Region. The ongoing human rights violations and invasions are largely financed by illegal activity, particularly the illicit trade of conflict minerals. Current US law attempts to regulate the role of US companies in conflict mineral trade through supply chain monitoring. However, Volume XLVIII staff editor Cate Benitez argues that current US regulations may be exacerbating issues in the region rather than addressing them. This post examines both US and EU conflict minerals regulations, comparing their approaches and highlighting the need for a unified international accountability system.
Read More