**Title: The impact of war on civilians: Beyond the numbers, humanity in danger in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo**
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a region where the echoes of bullets and the cries of detainees resonate daily, fueled by a seemingly inextinguishable spiral of conflict and violence. While Amnesty International recently published an alarming report on the use of explosive weapons in areas with a large civilian population, this investigation deserves to be examined from a broader perspective, taking into account not only the atrocities committed, but also their socio-economic and psychological repercussions on local populations.
### The numbers behind the tragedy
According to Amnesty’s report, 40% of civilians injured in North Kivu were injured by heavy weapons used in densely populated areas. These figures alone speak to a tragic reality, but they also speak to another crucial issue: the international community’s failure to respond effectively to humanitarian crises. The conflicts that have plagued the country for decades are exacerbated by a lack of funding for humanitarian aid, inadequate health infrastructure, and the absence of rehabilitation programs for victims.
### A Forgotten War: Causes and Consequences
The war in the DRC, marked by an entanglement of geopolitical interests, is often referred to as the “forgotten conflict.” Yet struggles for control of natural resources, particularly in the eastern provinces rich in minerals such as coltan and gold, are key drivers of violence. Armed militias, including the M23, exploit these resources to finance their military operations. As a result, a vicious cycle is established: resources are plundered, the population is displaced, and living conditions deteriorate, creating fertile ground for further violence.
### Psychological consequences: an invisible ghost
Beyond the human losses and material destruction, the psychological impact of war on civilians is often underestimated. Children, in particular, suffer from trauma that can have long-term effects on their development. Studies conducted in other conflict contexts reveal that repeated exposure to violence can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic anxiety and behavioral problems. In North Kivu, the lack of psychological support will certainly compound this misfortune, leaving many victims without the help they need to overcome their trauma..
### Solutions in sight: the urgency of a targeted humanitarian intervention
Faced with the intensification of violence and the increase in the number of displaced people, it is imperative to act in a concerted manner. Non-governmental organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, must be further supported, both financially and in terms of logistics, to provide emergency assistance. At the same time, an international awareness campaign could encourage citizen mobilization in favor of the victims of the conflict.
Foreign governments and international organizations must also redouble their efforts to force a de-escalation of the conflict. This could involve targeted economic sanctions against those responsible for the violence, as well as strengthened dialogues between the different factions involved. But beyond political solutions, it is crucial to give absolute priority to the protection of civilians, ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected.
### Conclusion: Remembering our humanity
The crisis in the DRC is not just about strategy or economics. It is about human lives, devastated families, and communities struggling to survive in unimaginable conditions. While Amnesty’s report highlights the atrocities of war, it also reminds us that behind every number, there is a story, a shattered dream, a life torn apart. To move forward, the international community must not only acknowledge this reality, but also act decisively to protect those who no longer have a voice in this overwhelming struggle for survival. It is time to remember our humanity, to feel the pain of others, and to work together to build a safer and more peaceful future for all Congolese.