DRC: August 2, commemoration of the national day of the congolese genocide, known as GENOCOST
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in war since the fall of Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime and the rise to power of Laurent-Désiré Kabila. This conflict was exacerbated by the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, followed by the influx of refugees, including armed genocidaires, into Congolese territory.
For the second consecutive year, the Congolese people will commemorate the National Day of the Congolese Genocide, commonly known as GENOCOST, in memory of the victims of the past 30 years of war. This day is not only to honor the dead but also to denounce the systematic plundering of the country’s resources, as President Félix Tshisekedi mentioned in a message posted on the presidential X account.
The conflict in the DRC involves several neighboring countries, notably Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, each with strategic and economic interests in the region. The DRC’s abundant natural resources, such as minerals, have attracted foreign actors and local armed groups, fueling the war for control of these riches.
Today, it is estimated that millions of people have lost their lives due to fighting, disease, and malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands of women and children have been victims of sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Massive population displacements have created an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with millions living in precarious conditions.
Despite several peace agreements, including the Lusaka Accords (1999) and the Sun City Agreement (2002), and UN peacekeeping missions, the DRC continues to suffer from instability. Armed groups proliferate, exploiting state weaknesses and local tensions. Corruption and poor governance hinder efforts toward development and reconciliation.
The war in the DRC is a multifaceted conflict rooted in a complex history of colonization, ethnic rivalries, and resource struggles. Overcoming this crisis will require sustained efforts to strengthen the state, promote justice, and develop inclusive and sustainable solutions for peace.
