The Crisis in Congo: A beginner's guide

The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo-Léopoldville, Congo-Kinshasa, and Zaire, has had a tough history to say the least. It’s been dragged through civil wars, a dictatorship, witnessed one of the world’s largest genocides (during the 90s and 2000s when Rwandan army spilled into its neighbour’s territory), and half the population lives in extreme poverty.

 So you would probably be surprised that the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) is actually one of the world’s richest countries, in terms of natural resources, right? It produces a $1 billion worth of gold each year, an abundance of diamonds, and houses 70% of the world's coltan, which is not only in your mobile phone right now, but your laptop and probably any other electrical device you have.  

The Congo has the resources to be a world super-power in an age where technology is king.

But that’s not the reality. The Rwandan government, the Congolese army and various rebel groups have looted, rinsed and profited from the natural riches the country owns. The “Democratic” Republic of Congo is a myth.

M23 Leader,  Sultani Makenga

Recently, a rebel group called M23, which is believed to have between 1,200 and 6,000 armed members, took over one of the country’s largest cities, Goma, with an aim to overthrow the government. M23 are believed to be funded by the Rwandan and Ugandan government and along with the Congolese army, have been accused of murdering innocent civilians and raping women.

Congo’s institutions are corrupt and flawed. From the government to the police, the Congolese people have been continually side-tracked in the name of profit and power.

The British government has been funding Rwanda for years and the country will soon receive nearly £85 million pounds in foreign aid. How generous.

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame

Last week, David Cameron told President Kagame, of Rwanda, that the world could not ignore the evidence of Rwanda’s involvement in Congo.

Rwanda is driving the DRC into despair, funding the M23 rebel group and evicting villages to plunder the Congo’s natural resources. The British government is funding Rwanda.

The DRC is not up for sale, its resources belong to the people who own the land and without a stable government, or army, the country has become an open invitation for unjust exploitation.  

http://stopm23.com/