3 days ago
In Congo, Chinese Hustlers Seek Relief From Pressures Back Home
A white SUV with tinted windows pulls over as two Chinese trucks packed with copper and cobalt ore squeeze past each other on a dirt road in Democratic Republic of Congo. Seated in front is a Congolese soldier gripping a semi-automatic rifle, his face obscured by a camouflage hat and scarf. Behind him, a window slowly lowers and an empty can of Kombat energy drink flies out into the dust. A man's face appears in the back seat, and he lights a cigarette.
'I'm here to make money,' says the passenger, Mr. Li, a Chinese businessman whose Congolese employees call him 'Big Show' because of his penchant for fist fights.
