By Ludi Nsimba
Staff Writer, ‘11

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the third largest country in Africa, with a population of 65 million. Overwhelmed by a history of colonialism and more than thirty years of dictatorship, the DRC is one of the world’s poorest countries. The ironic situation in DRC is that it is richly endowed with natural resources, from diamonds, gold and timber, to “coltan,” a metallic ore used in the production of mobile phones and laptop computers. However, the most important resource is its citizens. Unfortunately, they are the ones who are struggling and trying to live through an ongoing, and largely unknown war.

From 1997-2003, there was a huge political conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo government — supported by Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe — and rebel groups, backed by Uganda and Rwanda. By the year 2003, a peace deal was brokered by neighboring African states and the broader international community. However, the fighting continues occasionally in the eastern part of the country, particularly in North and South Kivu, where the government is still attempting to extend its control.

Over the past ten years, there’s been an estimation of 1,200 deaths every day due to ongoing epidemics and war-related causes. The deaths are not only a result of the ongoing war crimes, but are also due to disease, starvation,  population displacement and the destruction of roads, hospitals and farms. According to one article from World Vision.Org, there’s an estimated 1.6 million people displaced; just around 40,000 people flee their homes every month.

Concerning the war, rebel groups continue to target civilians as a tool of war — particularly women, who are raped and abducted to serve as sex slaves.  Furthermore, the recruitment of child soldiers continues; one-third of those recruited are young girls.

In 2006, the first multiparty presidential elections in more than forty years brought faith to the Democratic Republic of Congo and worried bystanders abroad. For the first time, the beginnings of social and political changes, along with an end to the overall crisis, could be reasonably within grasp. Indeed, an immediate change has not come and a need for international support will open up opportunities for investment and development assistance in the country. International support and assistance is needed becasue new violence can sprawl from unresolved regional tensions and the continued struggle between factions for control of natural resources.