For decades now the Democratic Republic of Congo has been going through so many conflicts which caused instability within the country and poses great risks in maintaining stability across the broader central African region. As the violence continues to escalate from different actors from within and beyond Congo, the spill over effects threaten to engulf even other neighbouring countries in interlocking cycles of violence, population displacement and even economic disruption. It is recorded that about 6.9 million people have been internally displaced especially in the eastern part of the country and about 1 million people have specifically been displaced because of the rebel group M23 led by the Tutsi from Rwanda.[1] It is important that decisive and effective engagements are made urgently so as to contain this conflict not to escalate even further.
In the eastern of DRC, incidents of fighting among armies, the government politics and citizen’s strikes against non-effective peace-making personnel are becoming the more unpredictable, day by day. This makes the situation even more complicated because there are planned peaceful evacuation of the United Nations and regional peacekeeping contingents right before the disputed election in December.
This conflict in Congo has begun to disrupt boundaries, for instance, the relationship between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has deteriorated at an alarming rate involving a large buildup of military camps on either side of the border and impending war threats.
Tensions between Uganda and DRC has also increased following a reported attacked at the DRC and Uganda border, it has been reported that at least 29 people have died, 8 of them where children aged from 4 to 15 years.[2] Such clashes are worsening the humanitarian crisis and influx of people into other countries which will possibly lead to the growth of more conflicts.
In addition, economic impacts have crossed beyond Congo leading to trade routes being disrupted, some mines being disrupted while total output and economy is deteriorating. However, ironically the DRC is very rich in mineral wealth but is being plagued by such paradox that undermines it chances of sustainable development.
In my opinion, the DRC crisis represents one of the most significant threats to stability and development in Africa. Not only has the violence caused significant suffering to Congolese civilians caught at gunpoint passage but is now increasingly putting security threats in the surrounding countries. Also, delaying rather that expediting the withdrawal of peacekeeping forces could help avoid further conflicts during elections. Effective mediation is needed between Congo and the rebel agents to work towards disarmament and ceasefires.
I hope that the situation in Congo will have international attention and much needed pressure and incentives will be put forth for an effective conflict resolution. The world should not ignore this situation that threatens a region that host millions and millions of people. If the effective incentives are put forth this will not only help the current conflict but also help in preventing the outbreak of future conflicts.
In conclusion, the situation in Congo is worsening day by day and a decisive action is needed to avoid conflicts spilling over to other neighbouring countries. Leaders and international organizations should recognize that the war can not be contained in DRC alone considering the tensions that have already arise in Uganda as well. In essence, this situation requires more of diplomacy backed by potential economic and military measures in order to maintain this situation. Global leaders must act upon shared responsibilities for security and development across Africa and laying down foundations for lasting peace.
References
Reuters. (2023, October 30). Conflict uproots record 6.9 million people in Congo – iom. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/conflict-uproots-record-69-million-people-congo-iom-2023-10-30/
UNICEF condemns latest attack in Eastern DR congo as act of “horrific brutality” – democratic republic of the Congo. ReliefWeb. (2023, November 14). https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/unicef-condemns-latest-attack-eastern-dr-congo-act-horrific-brutality
The European Institute for International Law and International Relations
[1]Reuters. (2023, October 30). Conflict uproots record 6.9 million people in Congo – iom. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/conflict-uproots-record-69-million-people-congo-iom-2023-10-30/
By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations.
