WHO IS DAN GERTLER?

Israeli businessman Dan Gertler is a prominent figure in the exploitation and control of mineral resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reportedly earning about $200,000 daily from his operations there. Allegations suggest that his profits contribute to the construction of apartheid-like walls in the West Bank. Gertler's family has a legacy of diamond exploitation in Africa dating back to the colonial era, and he has continued this tradition. His business expanded significantly due to questionable deals made with the former ruling Kabila dynasty in the DRC.

In December 2017 and June 2018, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Gertler and more than 30 of his companies, accusing him of leveraging his close ties with former Congo President Joseph Kabila to secure highly profitable mining contracts. However, the US administration considered easing these sanctions to allow Gertler an opportunity to sell his interests and exit Africa, purportedly to demonstrate that its enforcement actions can be effective.

So, who is Dan Gertler? Wambura Mwai from African Stream provides an overview of what you need to know.