March 15, 2012
The SEC needs to stand up against exploitation of mineral's in the DRC and pose strict rules regulating conflict minerals. These minerals are sold and the profits are used to buy weapons and fund the activities of militia groups in the DRC. These groups live in areas free from rule of law or good governance and impose terror on the rest of the population. Congo's mineral wealth gives the country huge potential for development, however if the money is funneled into supporting the activities of militia groups rather than services for the people (roads, schools, health care) than the consequences will be devastating. The United States has the opportunity to influence the lives of the Congolese people by saying we want to know if our electronics were made from conflict minerals and if so we will not purchase these items.