Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
07 November 2023 | 12:27 CAT
3-min read

“Conflict and population displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is portrayed as impossibly complex. There are four competing accounts, depending on which side is telling the story. Interpretation of history will always be contested.”

Sarah Kenyon Lischer

Picture: Radio Islam International

Security crisis in Eastern DRC Deepens: Political dialogue necessary to resolve ongoing conflict

The humanitarian situation in Eastern Congo has reached a critical juncture, signalling one of the most protracted crises in recent history. Stephanie Walters, a senior research fellow at the South African Institute of International Affairs, during the Africa Report on Radio Islam International, discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Eastern Congo.

The Eastern DRC has been in a state of constant crisis for over two decades, Walters reported. In particular, the North and South Kivu provinces are in a continuous state of conflict due to a proliferation of domestic and regionally backed armed groups.

The resurgence of the M23 rebel movement in 2021has led to the displacement of approximately 2 million people in the North Kivu province, leaving people reeling from the loss of livelihoods, education and essential healthcare services.

Walters underscored the complexity of the crisis, highlighting the proliferation of domestic and regionally backed armed groups that have perpetuated a cycle of conflict for the past 25 years. Notably, the involvement of Rwanda in the region has come under intense scrutiny, with evidence pointing to the supply of weapons, logistical support, and direct troop assistance to the M23 rebels.

Despite the imposition of targeted sanctions on specific individuals, there has been a notable absence of punitive measures directed at the Rwandan government, contributing to a persistent humanitarian crisis on the ground.

Discussing the objectives of the M23 rebels, Walters emphasised their mission to protect the Tutsi community in Eastern DRC, a claim that has fuelled tensions and resentment within the region. However, Walters highlighted the urgent need for Rwanda to reevaluate its stance on Eastern DRC, emphasising the necessity of political dialogue as a key driver for resolving the ongoing conflict.

The interview shed light on the limitations of military intervention, with Walters stressing the inadequacy of relying solely on military operations to address the root causes of the crisis. The recent discussion at the SADC summit regarding the potential deployment of a regional force was met with scepticism, with experts advocating for a concerted emphasis on political dialogue and a fundamental shift in Rwanda’s approach to Eastern DRC.

History

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in conflict since the 1990s, characterised by political repression and instability since gaining independence in 1960. Despite- or because of- its rich natural resources, the country has struggled to achieve lasting peace. Eastern DRC has been a focal point of ethnic conflict and violent resource competition involving various militias, Congolese security forces, UN troops, and external interests.

The conflict originated from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, with the influx of Rwandan refugees into eastern DRC, leading to the First Congo War in 1996. This conflict involved various regional players, including Rwandan and Ugandan forces, resulting in significant loss of life and the ascent of Laurent Kabila as president. The Second Congo War erupted in 1998 due to deteriorating relations between Rwanda and the DRC, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, with a death toll exceeding three million people.

Efforts to establish peace, including transitional governments, truth and reconciliation commissions, and UN peacekeeping missions, have had limited success. The emergence of rebel groups like the M23 Movement added complexity to the conflict, leading to further accusations between Rwanda and the DRC.

The competition over valuable minerals, including cobalt and copper, has incentivised foreign actors and multinational companies to participate in the ongoing conflict.

And perhaps this is where the real root cause lies. Questions still remain. What is Congo’s real history? Who wants their natural resources? Are civilians collateral damage in the war for capital gain and global domination?

The situation has not only caused extensive loss of life but has also strained diplomatic relations between the DRC and neighbouring countries, particularly Rwanda. (Another question: What is Rwanda’s actual role in the conflict? Are they being vilified?) Ongoing concerns remain about the humanitarian crisis, the role of external actors, and the exploitation of natural resources, all of which continue to complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.