EnergySource
Apr 23, 2025
Illicit mineral supply chains fuel the DRC’s M23 insurgency
By
Clarkson Kamurai, Brad Handler, and Morgan Bazilian
The illicit trade of mined materials is fueling the M23 insurgency in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), threatening regional stability and hindering development. As the United States considers a minerals-for-security agreement with the DRC, international engagement, ethical sourcing practices, and strengthened oversight are critical to fostering long-term peace in this resource-rich region.