Overview of the Conflict
The Congo Conflict is a complex conflict that has been raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the mid-1990s. The current conflict in the provinces of North and South Kivu has its roots in the First and Second Congo War, the first beginning in 1996 when Rwanda and Uganda invaded the eastern DRC to eliminate the remaining perpetrators of the genocide, and the latter lasting from 1998 to 2003, which involved government forces supported by Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe fighting rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda.
The Kivu conflict is the most recent ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), beginning in 2004 as an armed conflict between the Congolese military and the Hutu Power militia group. It is currently an umbrella term for a series of protracted armed conflicts in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, which have occurred since the end of the Second Congo War.
This conflict has since evolved to include several active rebel groups, including the M23 rebellion, the Allied Democratic Forces insurgency, the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo and many local Mai Mai militias, further exacerbating poverty, displacement, and gender-based violence.
The actors involved are, in fact, numerous and complex, ranging from local militias to foreign governments. Rwanda and Uganda have been accused of supporting rebel groups in the DRC, while Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have supported the DRC government.
The escalation of conflict in Congo can be attributed to several factors, including resource competition and exploitation. Congo is one of the world’s poorest countries, but it has one of the largest reserves of potential wealth. The illegal exploitation of minerals and natural resources remains a significant driver of instability in the region. Neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda compete for economic control over Congo’s lucrative resources, military influence, and political power. This competition has led to a vicious cycle of resource extraction, which in turn promotes exploitation and degrades the environment. As a result, the conflict in Congo has become intertwined with the exploitation of the country’s natural resources, leading to a cycle of poverty and militarization.
Ethnic and political tensions have also contributed to the escalation of the conflict. Ethnic intolerance, in particular, has been a significant driver for war, with different ethnic groups vying for political and economic power.
Despite the efforts of the African Union, the United Nations, and neighbouring countries, the conflict in the Congo continues to be marked by ongoing violence and instability as rebel groups continue to terrorise communities and control weakly governed, posing a threat to the region and sustainable development
In 2022, the military group March 23 Movement (M23) launched a new offensive attack against the Congolese army in North Kivu to pressure the Congolese government to answer their demands. The rebels are demanding the implementation of an agreement signed with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2013, known as the Nairobi Agreement, which grants them amnesty and provides for their reintegration into the Congolese army or civilian life.
Ugandan forces also entered the DRC to fight the Allied Democratic Forces, leading to renewed violence. The state of siege declared by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in May 2021 was extended through the year and saw an increase in levels of violence and displaced persons caused by the conflict.
The collapse of the ruling coalition between the current governing party and that of former president Joseph Kabila in December 2021 further escalated the power struggle. Additionally, some of the most severe violence occurred in Ituri, where ethnic Lendu-led militia killed hundreds of mostly Hema villagers and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Implications of the Conflict for Congo
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has devastated the Congolese people, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and widespread displacement of civilians. The situation in the eastern provinces of the country remains particularly volatile, with more than five million people internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance.
The conflict has resulted in a significant number of human rights violations, including sexual violence and forced recruitment of children into armed groups. The repeated displacements and worsening security conditions make it difficult for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
It has also caused significant economic instability and disruption. The conflict has disrupted agricultural activities and exacerbated poor economic conditions, leading to a worsening food insecurity situation, which has further compounded the humanitarian crisis, with many struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. The displacement of millions of people has additionally caused a significant burden on neighbouring countries, which could exacerbate tensions.
The economic impacts of the conflict are severe. Decades of war, poor governance, and underinvestment have left the country with high poverty rates, deficient access to basics and rising unemployment rates.
Key Issues and Possible Solutions in Resolving the Congo Conflict
The Congo conflict is a complex issue with several key challenges that must be addressed in order to find a resolution. The political economy of mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is central to sustaining the conflict in the east of the country, therefore, one of the main issues is the exploitation and control of natural resources, particularly minerals such as coltan and gold, which are used in electronic devices and other products.
Regulating natural resource exploitation in Africa’s conflict zones remains a significant challenge, as it is often linked to corruption and violence, but effective management of natural resources is essential for long-term peace and stability in the region. Developing sustainable resource management practices can reduce the likelihood of conflict and promote economic growth. This can be achieved through partnerships with the government and private sector to promote diversified and inclusive economic development.
Political instability and corruption are also major factors contributing to the Congo conflict. Weak governance and lack of political integrity have led to the proliferation of armed groups and violence throughout the country. Bribery, weak oversight institutions, limited government authority and state capture by influential patronage networks have contributed to the complex and mutually reinforcing factors that fuel the conflict. Addressing these issues while promoting good and inclusive governance is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. To tackle these issues, reforms and measures must be implemented through close coordination with national and provincial governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Another potential solution to the Congo conflict is to promote economic development and regional cooperation. Economic development is key to minimizing the risks of conflict, and structured regional and international cooperation can help to promote peace and stability. Some efforts are being made at an international level, the U.S-Congo Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, for example, is an initiative aimed at developing an enhanced economic relationship with the Congo. Congo is home to a diverse array of indigenous peoples and any economic development initiatives must also take into account the needs and rights of these communities.
Providing support for local communities and civil society will promote peace and stability. External actors can help to empower local communities by providing resources and training, which can help to build capacity and promote social cohesion. Additionally, supporting civil society organizations can help to promote human rights, accountability, and good governance.
Strengthening international peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts are crucial for resolving the Congo conflict. The African Union, United Nations, and neighbouring countries have struggled to address threats posed by rebel groups and promote sustainable development. The UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) has conducted military offensives with the government’s armed forces to address the conflict, but progress has been slow.
The Security Council has, however, an opportunity to rethink its approach to the Congo with the renewal of MONUSCO’s mission mandate and should consider implementing results-oriented measures of progress.
The use of preventive diplomacy, peace support operations, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding can help to resolve conflicts before they escalate into violence. Outsiders can also play a role in mediation efforts, as demonstrated by the prior success of civil society in facilitating peace talks and negotiations.
Ongoing mediation efforts led by Angola and other regional actors will hopefully help to strengthen political and diplomatic cooperation and build trust among conflicting parties. It is essential to continue to engage with international actors and promote diplomatic solutions to the conflict, while also addressing the root causes of the conflict.
References
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A New Approach for the UN to Stabilise the DR Congo. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from www.crisisgroup.org
Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from www.cfr.org
Conflict in Eastern Congo: A Spark Away from a Regional …. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from www.fpri.org
Conflict in the DRC: 5 articles that explain what’s gone wrong. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from theconversation.com
DRC situation. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from reporting.unhcr.org/drcsituation
Despite Peacekeeping Mission’s Efforts, Security Situation …. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from press.un.org/en/2022/sc15135.doc.htm
10 million people in Democratic Republic of Congo …. (n.d.) Retrieved May 16, 2023, from reliefweb.int
By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations.
