‘Plunder of Congo minerals unabated’

The Hindu, 25 May 2002

UNITED NATIONS MAY 24 . The plunder of Congo's mineral riches by the Government's allies and opponents is continuing unabated and criminal networks based outside Africa may be using Congo's resources to launder money, a U.N.-appointed panel said in a report.

The exploitation of Congo's natural wealth by foreign armies and their rebel supporters has resulted in widespread conflict, indiscriminate arming of large portions of the population and considerable insecurity—and battles are still being fought for control of areas rich in gold, diamonds, coltan, and timber, it said.The interim report to the U.N. Security Council on Thursday was a follow-up to a report last November that said some of Congo's allies and opponents were using security concerns as an excuse to exploit the country's mineral riches for their own profit.