DRC Civil War

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently grappling with one of the world's most complex and enduring humanitarian crises, deeply rooted in its turbulent civil war history. The conflict has primarily involved the First and Second Congo Wars, which erupted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and have led to immense violence and instability in the region. The First Congo War (1996–1997) initiated a cycle of violence as Rwandan and Ugandan forces, alongside various local militias, sought control over the DRC's vast natural resources, including minerals such as coltan and gold. This struggle culminated in the Second Congo War (1998–2003), dubbed "Africa's World War," as multiple African nations intervened, further complicating the conflict landscape. Recently, the situation has escalated dramatically, marked by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has captured key cities like Goma in North Kivu. Current estimates indicate that over 8 million Congolese are now internally displaced due to ongoing hostilities, and humanitarian needs have intensified, with around 21 million individuals in urgent need of assistance. Despite attempts at peace talks and a recent agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, fighting continues, fueled not only by ethnic and political tensions but also by competition over DRC's mineral wealth. The plight of the Congolese people demands urgent international attention to break the cycle of violence and bring stability to the region.