Seeing members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Africa Cup of Nations team use the opportunity of being in the international spotlight to call for peace in the country’s troubled eastern region says a lot about the power of citizen participation in governance.
Development Diaries reports that fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group is intensifying, sending thousands of civilians fleeing the conflict in the country’s east.
The DR Congo players used the national anthem to protest/raise awareness of the atrocities happening in Eastern Congo.
Guys, I am close to tears 💔
Mon paye 🇨🇩💛 pic.twitter.com/31CmN6tSFg
— sim simma 🇨🇩 (@leizenomis) February 7, 2024
Rich in minerals like gold, tin, and coltan, this region has long been a hotbed of strife and violence brought on by a complex interplay of social, political, and ethnic issues.
According to Save the Children, at least 78,000 children have had to leave their homes in the last week due to the escalating violence in the region, with many of them currently travelling to Goma.
More devastating is the use of artillery, drones, and explosives in eastern DRC, which is killing and injuring civilians and damaging and destroying essential infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of unrest in the eastern DRC is the presence of numerous armed groups, often competing for control over lucrative mining resources.
‘Everyone sees the massacres in eastern Congo. But everyone is silent’, DRC striker Cedric Bakambu wrote on social media.
‘Use the same energy that you put into talking about the Nations Cup to highlight what is happening with us. There are no small gestures’.
The absence of effective governance and law enforcement has further worsened the situation in the country. Weak state institutions, corruption, and limited infrastructure have hindered efforts to establish security and provide essential services to the population.
Addressing the root causes of the conflict, including governance issues, economic inequalities, and ethnic divisions, will require concerted efforts from both national and international actors.
While campaigning for a second term in office, President Felix Tshisekedi promised to root out corruption and authoritarian rule, rebuild the economy, tackle inequalities, and deal with the DRC’s prolonged security crisis.
There is no better time for the president to fulfil his promise.
Development Diaries calls on President Tshisekedi to facilitate inclusive political dialogue and negotiations between the government, armed groups, and marginalised communities, just as we demand urgent humanitarian support for victims.
Also, the government under President Tshisekedi must strengthen the country’s security sector to improve law enforcement, enhance border security, and disarm and demobilise militia groups.
Photo source: AFP
