The Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo


Given my year abroad in China, my recent interest in the news has largely been focused on China-America relations. However, an article appearing today in the Middle East and Africa section of the Economist captured my attention because it describes the current situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country located in Central Africa. I studied this area of the world during my sophomore year while reading The Heart of Darkness in English class and simultaneously writing a research paper in history class focusing on the paradox as to why the Congo - a country blessed with more natural wealth than any other place on earth - remains poverty-stricken. 
As described in the Economist, Ituri - one of the “bloodiest theaters” of the second Congo war of 1998-2003 - is in danger of reliving its past. Ituri is the scene of conflict between two ethnic groups: the Hema, backed and armed by neighboring Rwanda; and the Lendu, backed and armed by neighboring Uganda. The neighboring countries have a self-interest in Ituri’s gold resources as well as the oil beneath Lake Albert. Although the war “officially” ended in 2003, last month saw a “reprise of the violence” as the Hema community suffered unimaginable atrocities including gang rape, mass killings, and cannibalism (a tactic used to terrorize) at the hands of the Lendu. The animosity between the two groups continues to revolve around land disputes and control of power. 
The Congolese army and United Nations peacekeeping force have been able to check the violence for the time being; however, the current situation is tragic. International pressure in the form of sanctions should be placed upon neighboring countries that support the proxy militias. At the same time, the Democratic Republic is in dire need of education focusing on conflict resolution between the Hema and Lendu. Increased job opportunities are also crucial because, as suggested in the Economist, lack of gainful employment contributes to the current problems in the DRC.

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