How do natural resources exploitation and conflicts surrounding natural resources feed into armed mobilization and violence in eastern DRC and vice versa? To answer these questions, this project looks at a variety of resources–including cattle, gold (both artisanally and industrially mined), fish and forest products. It does not only analyze the material dimension of natural resources, including their role in local livelihoods, but also looks at their symbolic value and the ways in which conflict narratives surrounding natural resources constitute collective action frames that inspire armed mobilization.

• Staff involved: Judith Verweijen