The Resource Curse: From Venezuela’s Oil to the Great Lakes’ Coltan
– An Analysis by URN Hitamwoneza
Date: January 5, 2026
Author: URN Hitamwoneza
Introduction
As the international community focuses on the political and economic crises in Venezuela and the endless conflicts in the Great Lakes region, it is easy to assume these crises are separate. However, we, the Union for the Renaissance of the Nation (URN) Hitamwoneza, after in-depth analysis, have found that the problems of these two regions are deeply interconnected and share the same roots. This analysis aims to reveal this little-known link, so that Africans, and especially those in the Great Lakes region, may fully understand the game being played on the world stage.
Point 1: The Resource Curse – Oil and Coltan, the Same Tears
The crises in Venezuela and the Eastern Congo seem to be twins. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, while the Congo is rich in strategic minerals like coltan and cobalt. But instead of being a blessing, these riches have become a curse. In Venezuela, oil revenues enrich a small elite in power, while the population starves. In our region, minerals are the source of endless wars, where armed groups and foreign powers fight for their control, while civilians are killed, displaced, and impoverished. This is what is known as the “resource curse”: wealth does not develop the people, but instead fuels corruption, war, and poverty.
Point 2: The Thirst for Power and Contempt for the Law
When a leader tastes power, they seek all means to hold onto it. In Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro refused to leave power despite contested elections, taking over all institutions to remain in his seat. In our region, we have seen how the issue of presidential terms has caused turmoil, such as in Burundi in 2015. This thirst for power leads leaders to violate constitutions, dismantle justice and security institutions, and persecute their opponents. This tendency to cling to power is the source of instability and war, whether in South America or in Africa.
Point 3: The Interference of Foreign Powers
The problem never remains purely local. Foreign powers quickly interfere, not to help, but to serve their own interests. In Venezuela, the United States has imposed heavy sanctions on the Maduro regime, while Russia and China support it. In our region, the historical role of Belgium and France is well-known. Even today, the competition between China, the United States, and Europe for the Congo’s wealth fuels the flames of war. When foreign powers meddle in our problems, they support certain groups, provide weapons, and prolong conflicts, because peace is not in their interest.
Point 4: The Army as a Pillar of Injustice
The army, instead of protecting the country and its citizens, becomes the tool of a party or a single man. In Venezuela, the army is the main pillar protecting Maduro, as high-ranking officers receive a large share of the wealth. In our region, we have seen how the army has been used in coups and massacres. When the army abandons its professional role, it becomes a source of insecurity, and it is the citizens who pay the price.
Conclusion and Message from URN Hitamwoneza
Our analysis shows that the problems of the Great Lakes region are not unique. They are problems found in many countries around the world with a similar history to ours. This shows us that the solutions can also be the same: good governance, based on truth and justice; wealth used for the benefit of all citizens; security forces that protect the people, not the regime; and liberation from the foreign yoke, to begin building our own future.
We, the Union URN Hitamwoneza, call on all Africans, and especially those in the Great Lakes region, to understand this game and to refuse to be used in wars based on the interests of others. The path to lasting peace begins with knowing the truth.
