BLOOD MINERALS & DOUBLE STANDARDS

Synopsis

This incisive work confronts the grim reality of the Democratic Republic of Congo's protracted crisis – a conflict fueled by regional powers, foreign governments, multinational corporations, and a complicit global order. Through compelling historical analysis, documented evidence, and profound personal experience, the book unveils how Congo, the source of the world's essential cobalt, coltan, copper, and gold, remains ensnared in a century-long cycle of war, foreign intervention, and international neglect. The narrative begins with the brutal legacy of King Leopold II's genocide, charting Congo's tragic trajectory from colonial oppression through post-independence instability, the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, and the Cold War's manipulative influence over resource control. It meticulously exposes contemporary exploitation, focusing on Rwanda's post-1994 ascent and the emergence of M23/AFC as a state-sponsored proxy force, detailing the political, economic, and military machinations behind repeated incursions into Eastern Congo. Beyond geopolitics, this book centers the human cost of relentless conflict: Mass displacement Severed families Widespread sexual violence Child soldier recruitment Destroyed communities Intergenerational trauma Amidst this devastation, the narrative honors the resilience of the Wazalendo, the local defenders who rise to protect their land and future when the world remains indifferent. With sharp critique, emotional depth, and unwavering moral conviction, Byamungu challenges Western hypocrisy and the double standards applied to Rwanda, advocating for Congolese sovereignty and true independence through the vital work of A.V.P.D-243. This is more than a book; it's a critical exposé, a stark warning, and an urgent appeal for justice. The global community cannot champion human rights while overlooking Congo's profound suffering. The era of silence must end. *Western Democracies, Rwanda’s Proxy War, and the Forgotten Humanity of the Congolese People* **Back Matter:** * Appendix A — Key UN Reports & International Findings * Appendix B — Mineral Data and Maps * Appendix C — Timeline of Rwanda–Congo Relations * Bibliography / Full Reference List with citations * Index