The double discourse of European Union on its relationship with African continent: the case of Democratic Republic of Congo and some European companies

Abstract

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is perhaps one of the richest regions in the world because of its natural resources. Unfortunately, it could also be one of the most violent regions in Africa and the world. This situation has resulted in the current scenario: a country in which the path towards growth, development and peace has been extremely hard to walk through. Among the things that have contributed to it are, on the one hand, the existence of armed groups which have continuously confronted the government and have illegally exploited and sold the natural resources and, on the other hand, the existence of a double discourse on behalf of the Western powers who are supposedly in favor of democracy and human rights and at the same time contribute to armed conflicts by using illegally exploited products. Thus, the role of the companies that buy these products, including European ones, has been determinant for the persistence of the armed conflicts in the region and its consequences. Therefore, the study of these dynamics is vital for the correct comprehension and solution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the rest of Africa.