DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been facing a long-running conflict that has displaced millions of people. The conflict is rooted in the Rwandan genocide of 1994, which saw the deaths of nearly one million people. Since then, eastern DRC has been plagued by violence from rebel groups, including the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23).

• Following the Rwandan genocide, around two million Hutu refugees crossed Rwanda into North Kivu and South Kivu provinces of DRC. They organised ethnic militias in DRC fearing prosecution. Tensions intensified as Rwandan Tutsis organised militias against the Hutus who fled to the DRC. Subsequently, several ethnic and inter-ethnic groups who felt threatened started organising their militias against each other. The multiple rebel groups and several actors fighting in the region have carried out widespread killing, sexual violence and massive human rights atrocities.
• President Felix Tsikedi came to power in 2019 through democratic elections. The country is to hold elections on December 20. However, the electoral commission has said that continuing insecurity in parts of the country would pose a challenge to a “free, democratic and transparent” vote. Meanwhile, the peripheries of DRC are ruled by numerous ethnic chiefdoms which are recognised by the government. The grievances of these peripheries are not met inclusively as struggles for representation, power, territory and resources are being ignored.
• The armed groups have been supported by the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi at various points, acting as proxies for each country’s interests in the region.

4. Humanitarian Crisis and International Response

• The conflict in DRC has caused a major humanitarian crisis. According to the Kivu Security Tractor, this year alone, 1,400 people were killed and over 600 attacks were reported in the region.
• According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the crisis has left more than 1.1 million people in need of food support across North Kivu, Ituri, and South Kivu.
• International actors have failed to make a considerable effort to address the crisis.
• According to organisations such as WFP and the Norwegian Refugee Council, lack of funding is a major challenge in assisting Congolese people facing hunger, starvation and humanitarian crises.

5. Conclusion

The conflict in DRC is a complex and long-running problem. However, the international community needs to continue to provide humanitarian assistance and to support efforts to bring peace to the region.