The Forgotten Conflict
A rebel insurgency in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths according to the United Nations, and countless casualties in Goma. The city of Bukavu, in our Companion Diocese of the same name, is now also occupied. Our correspondent describes a worsening situation and makes a plea for peace
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is perhaps one of the regions of the world that has seen the most tragedy of any kind since the 1990s. However, compared with other conflicts in the world, this one is less publicised, which results in a complacent silence at global level. From all over the world, we know the smallest details of what's happening in Ukraine, Palestine and even Yemen, but little about the eastern DRC.
The region is rich in minerals, and the abundance of these materials needed by the electronics industry is often referred to as a geological scandal. This attracts the attention of states and other players in search of these strategic raw materials for their industries. In the frantic pursuit of their own interests, they are plundered with no regard for human life. Instead of benefiting local communities, this generates perpetual armed conflict, massive population displacement and violations of all kinds, thus adding to the disaster.
Another aspect to bear in mind is that, within local communities, land is of paramount importance. This is not a problem in itself, but unfortunately it is a lever that aggressors can use to divide communities and take advantage of the chaos to gain access to resources. The same applies to other natural resources such as water which attracts herding peoples from other areas threatened by drought - another source of destabilisation in the region. It is the same thing for some ethnical issues. These are some of the motives that external forces use to legitimise their actions here.
In its role of ensuring the well-being of all, the DRC State is still unable to assert its authority throughout the national territory. As a result, the situation is going from bad to worse. While some attribute this situation to the country's leadership, others point the finger at external manoeuvres. Either way, it exacerbates the crisis.
Despite the picture painted above, the people who live in this region are naturally hospitable and it is a good place to live in terms of climate, landscape and community. It is therefore time for all the parties involved to recognise their responsibilities and immediately put an end to this conflict, which is global in scope, in order to establish lasting peace in the region.