Nairobi, Kenya — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to the exploitation of natural resources, which he claims is a primary driver of conflict across Africa. Addressing the UN Security Council on July 22, Guterres emphasized the need for a transformative approach to natural resource governance, advocating for the equitable sharing of benefits with local communities. Guterres highlighted the escalating demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, which are vital for modern technology and infrastructure but also contribute to geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts.
He cited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as an example, where illegal mining and mineral smuggling have fueled ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
The UN chief called for accountability and sustainable practices in the extraction of minerals, emphasizing that “countries and communities must benefit – first and most – from the resources in their own backyard. “.
The UN is supporting national authorities to strengthen governance and institutions, improve regulatory frameworks, and ensure minerals contribute to development and peacebuilding. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the DRC, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ambition to transform natural resources into a driver of transformation, stability, and shared prosperity.
The UN’s commitment to collaboration with national and community partners in the DRC and other conflict-affected regions is a critical step, but the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on the transparency and accountability of governance practices in place.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: AfricaNews
