About the Democratic Republic of Congo

Current Situation in DRC

Mobutu fled the DRC in 1997 and since that time the country has suffered two consecutive civil wars, referred to as Africa's first World War, which have only exacerbated the already deteriorating conditions created by Mobutu. More than 5.4 million people have died in the DRC since 1998, making this the deadliest conflict since WWII.



The DRC the third largest country in Africa and is surrounded by 9 countries, each of which seeks to benefit from the DRC's vast mineral wealth and natural resources. The DRC's great wealth is also the source of its people's greatest suffering. As the wealthiest country in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, the DRC has systematically been plundered since the 15th century. The situation is further complicated by world-wide demand the DRC's numerous resources including gold, diamonds, tin, and coltan (a key ingredient in cell phones and computers). This wealth bleeds out of the DRC and does not return to ordinary Congolese citizens.


It was not until April 2003, that a power-sharing agreement was signed brokered by Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. A transitional government was established with Joseph Kabila as President and four vice-presidents representing the various rebel groups fighting between 1998 - 2003. This transitional government was in place until June 2006 when the first multi-party elections since independence were held. Joseph Kabila was elected as President in the general election.


Man in rural DRCToday in eastern DRC fighting has reignited between rebel groups and the Congolese army, despite the fact that the DRC is home to MONUC, the largest UN Peacekeeping force in the world. The resurgence of violence is due to a continued struggle over the resources in the DRC. The fighting has displaced missions and created a humanitarian crisis where many Congolese people do not have access to food, water, or shelter. Women have felt the impact of the violence most severely as hundreds of thousands have been the victims of sexual violence. It is unclear when and how this crisis will be resolved. Solutions are neither simple nor are they readily apparent because Congo is caught in a complicated web of economic and political relationships that extend far beyond the DRC to the rest of the world. Until a regional solution is found to the plundering of the DRC's wealth, there will always be a fragile peace in the DRC.


Although this is a story about relentless exploitation, it is clear that the DRC, centrally located as it is, could be the powerhouse of the whole African continent. What is most extraordinary of all is that the DRC remains a vibrant country pulsing with life evident to any one who has been there and learned how people have survived all these years. That they have had to live in a survival situation for generations has not stripped them of the human capacity for creativity and determination. The DRC stands at a cross-roads today. Congolese citizens are ready and anxious to begin their own home rule.