Introduction: A War Ignored by the World
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in the world today. More than 3,000 people have died in recent escalations in Goma and surrounding areas, with over 6.9 million people internally displaced due to ongoing violence (United Nations, 2023). This conflict is driven by a complex mix of geopolitical interests, historical tensions, and—most significantly—the global demand for critical minerals such as cobalt, coltan, and tin, which are essential for the production of smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles (Amnesty International, 2021).
At Vijana Africa, we are committed to addressing the root causes of this war through peacebuilding, advocacy, and community empowerment. Our work focuses on raising awareness about conflict minerals, promoting ethical sourcing, and supporting displaced communities. The international community must take immediate action to stop this cycle of violence.
Understanding the Conflict: Why is Eastern DRC at War?
Eastern DRC has long been plagued by armed conflicts, fueled by ethnic tensions, weak governance, and competition over resource-rich territories. Armed groups—including M23, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and Mai-Mai militias—continue to fight for control over key mining areas, often backed by regional and international actors (Human Rights Watch, 2023).
According to a 2023 report by the United Nations Group of Experts on the DRC, evidence suggests that neighboring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, have played a role in supporting armed groups operating in Eastern Congo (United Nations Security Council, 2023). This external involvement further complicates efforts to bring lasting peace.
The recent escalation in North Kivu province, particularly around Goma, has resulted in:
✅ Mass killings and civilian massacres
✅ Widespread sexual violence as a weapon of war
✅ Displacement of millions of Congolese families
✅ Severe humanitarian crises, with famine and disease spreading in refugee camps
The Role of Conflict Minerals in Perpetuating War
DRC is home to over 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves and is one of the largest global suppliers of coltan, a mineral essential for microchip production (US Geological Survey, 2022). The lucrative mining industry in DRC has become a battleground where armed groups exploit child labor, impose illegal taxes on miners, and fund their militias through illicit mineral trade (The Sentry, 2022).
Despite international efforts such as the Dodd-Frank Act (Section 1502) in the United States, which requires companies to disclose whether their minerals come from conflict zones, the enforcement of ethical sourcing remains weak. A 2022 investigation by Amnesty International found that minerals linked to child labor and armed groups still enter global supply chains unchecked (Amnesty International, 2022).
Who Benefits from This Exploitation?
🛑 Tech and automobile companies that use cobalt and coltan in their products
🛑 Armed groups controlling mining operations
🛑 Corrupt officials profiting from illegal trade
🛑 Regional and international actors benefiting from instability
The true victims of this exploitation are the Congolese people, who face daily violence while the world profits from their suffering.
How Peacebuilding Can Make a Difference
Ending this war requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses its root causes—not just its symptoms. Vijana Africa is working on several fronts to promote sustainable peace in Eastern Congo:
1. Faith-Based Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
We are working with religious leaders, community elders, and grassroots organizations to promote dialogue and reconciliation between conflicting groups.
Inspired by faith-based peace models that have worked in South Africa and Northern Ireland, we believe faith can serve as a powerful tool for healing and unity (Gopin, 2021).
2. Consumer Awareness and Ethical Sourcing Advocacy
Through digital campaigns and public education, we are raising awareness among consumers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe about the connection between conflict minerals and human rights abuses.
We are pushing for stronger corporate accountability measures to ensure that tech companies source minerals ethically and transparently (Enough Project, 2023).
3. Supporting Displaced Communities
We operate mobile schools in displacement camps in Goma, providing education and psychosocial support to thousands of displaced children who have lost everything due to war.
We work with local women-led organizations to provide economic empowerment programs for survivors of sexual violence and war trauma.
The Humanitarian Crisis: The Cost of Inaction
The scale of suffering in Eastern DRC is beyond catastrophic:
📍 Over 3,000 killed in recent attacks in Goma (United Nations, 2024).
📍 6.9 million displaced, making it the largest displacement crisis in Africa (UNHCR, 2023).
📍 2.8 million children at risk of severe malnutrition (World Food Programme, 2023).
📍 Countless cases of sexual violence, with rape being used as a weapon of war (Doctors Without Borders, 2023).
And yet, this crisis remains largely ignored by global media compared to conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East. The silence of the international community is costing lives every single day.
A Call to Action: What Can You Do?
The world cannot afford to look away. Every voice matters in the fight for peace and justice.
✅ Stay Informed: Follow reputable organizations working on peace and human rights in DRC (Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, Amnesty International).
✅ Demand Ethical Sourcing: Urge tech companies to publicly disclose their mineral supply chains and support conflict-free initiatives.
✅ Support Grassroots Organizations: Donate to and amplify the work of local organizations, including Vijana Africa, that are making a direct impact.
✅ Advocate for Policy Change: Call on your elected officials to prioritize human rights and peacebuilding in U.S.-Africa relations.
At Vijana Africa, we believe in a future where peace is possible. But we must act NOW—before more lives are lost. The people of Eastern DRC deserve peace, dignity, and justice.
References
Amnesty International. (2021). Cobalt Mining and Human Rights in DRC. https://www.amnesty.org
Doctors Without Borders. (2023). Sexual Violence in Eastern Congo. https://www.msf.org
Enough Project. (2023). Conflict Minerals and Corporate Responsibility. https://www.enoughproject.org
Human Rights Watch. (2023). Armed Conflicts in DRC. https://www.hrw.org
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2023). The Displacement Crisis in DRC. https://www.unhcr.org
United Nations Security Council. (2023). Final Report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. https://www.un.org/securitycouncil
US Geological Survey. (2022). Cobalt and Coltan Reserves in DRC. https://www.usgs.gov
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