Paris Prosecutor Dismisses DRC’s Case Against Apple Over Conflict Minerals

The Paris prosecutor dismissed a case against Apple regarding its alleged involvement in using conflict minerals from the DRC. The court found insufficient evidence for the claims raised against Apple’s subsidiaries, including money laundering. Lawyers representing the DRC plan to appeal the decision, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations related to human rights abuses in the region. Apple maintains that it does not source minerals from conflict areas.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has dismissed the case brought against Apple by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding the use of conflict minerals in its supply chain. This decision follows allegations that Apple subsidiaries engaged in illegal exports of minerals from the DRC through Rwanda. Apple has consistently countered these allegations, emphasizing their commitment to high industry standards and the avoidance of conflict minerals sourced from these regions.

On February 18, the prosecutor’s office stated that the claims of money laundering and deceptive business practices lacked sufficient evidence, thus concluding the case. This outcome means that the complaint will not proceed any further. The original complaint was filed in December on behalf of Congo’s justice minister and included jurisdiction requests in both France and Belgium.

Attorneys William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, representing the plaintiffs, criticized the dismissal as “very partial” and have announced their intention to appeal to the Paris Court of Appeal. They underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the urgent need for accountability regarding the sourcing of conflict minerals, which are often linked to atrocities committed by armed groups in the DRC.

The DRC is recognized as a significant supplier of essential minerals, such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten, crucial for electronics. Notably, artisanal mining in the region is often controlled by armed factions that are implicated in severe human rights violations, including violence against civilians and exploitative practices. Apple reiterated its stance in 2024, instructing its suppliers to cease sourcing materials from the DRC and Rwanda, a position also rejected by the Rwandan government.

Since the 1990s, ongoing conflicts in the eastern DRC have been exacerbated by the involvement of armed groups, some of whom receive backing from Rwanda or elements of the Congolese military. Tensions have further escalated since 2021 with the resurgence of the M23 group, which has recently captured significant territory within North and South Kivu regions.

In summary, the Paris prosecutor’s decision to dismiss the case against Apple regarding conflict minerals reflects a finding of insufficient evidence for serious allegations. While Apple remains firm in its denouncement of the charges, legal representatives for the DRC are seeking an appeal, highlighting the gravity of the issues surrounding conflict mineral sourcing and its links to human rights violations in the region. The ongoing conflict and its impact on mining practices continue to evoke significant international concerns.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr