**DR Congo: Contemporary Struggles Against the Backdrop of a Historical Legacy**
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is once again in the spotlight of armed conflict, marking a tumultuous chapter in its already turbulent history. The recent escalation of violence in Goma, where Congolese armed forces are fighting M23 rebels, is part of a tragically recurring dynamic, not only for the country, but for the entire African Great Lakes region. These clashes, which are rooted in decades of ethnic tensions and geopolitical rivalries, cast a worrying shadow over the evolution of a country rich in resources, but deeply marred by instability.
### **Conflicts in Goma: A Mirror of Colonial Legacy and Regional Conflicts**
The recent violence in Goma must be analyzed through the prism of Congolese history. Indeed, the current crisis is not just a matter of armed factions fighting over territory. It is the result of a deeply rooted colonial legacy that has left Congolese vulnerable to internal and external manipulation. Since independence in 1960, the country has juggled dictatorships, coups, and foreign interventions that have fueled intercommunal conflicts.
The M23, whose resurgence reflects a desire to control the region’s strategic mineral resources, evokes a struggle for economic survival in a global context where geostrategic issues often outweigh humanitarian concerns. Indeed, the exploitation of Congo’s coveted resources has often been one of the drivers of conflict. Minerals such as coltan, cobalt, and gold are often extracted in deplorable conditions, concluding a cycle of both managerial and human exploitation.
### **International reaction: between outrage and inaction**
The tension in Kinshasa, where angry protesters attacked embassies of countries perceived as inactive, underscores a sense of betrayal that is shaking the population. The anger directed not only at Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebels, but also at countries such as France, Belgium and the United States, reflects a deep disenchantment with the international community. Promises of support for development and stability clash with the reality of an apparent indifference to human suffering.
Data from the United Nations (UN) reveal that approximately 5 million people have been displaced by violence in the DRC since 1998. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for collective action, not just to react to the crisis, but to work towards sustainable and inclusive solutions.. The absence of a crisis management plan on the international side raises questions about the capacity of the global community to address the roots of the evil instead of focusing on palliative measures.
### **A new approach for peace: towards an inclusive dialogue**
To bring real added value to the current situation, it is imperative to encourage an inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders. This includes political actors, armed groups, representatives of civil society and, above all, the young people who represent the future of the country. In other parts of the world, reconciliation processes have helped transform historical enemies into partners for lasting peace. A successful example is the post-apartheid reconciliation in South Africa, where the voice of the oppressed helped build a peaceful nation.
Educational initiatives across the country could also raise awareness among young people about the importance of intercultural dialogue and mutual respect. The potential of a united Congo where ethnic differences are celebrated rather than fought must be highlighted. It is also necessary to restore to the Congolese people a sense of belonging and pride in belonging to a country rich in culture and resources.
### **Conclusion: Recording hope amidst chaos**
As the fighting in Goma continues and the streets of Kinshasa fill with demonstrations, it becomes essential not to lose sight of the hope for a better future. This hope can only be based on collective mobilization, both at the national and international levels. A peaceful Congo, focused on development and regional cooperation, is not only desirable but achievable.
The challenge for the international community is to remain vigilant and commit to long-term solutions, while paying attention to the suffering of the Congolese, who deserve much more than passing attention. The road to peace is fraught with pitfalls, but with sustained efforts, it can lead to a future where conflicts are nothing more than distant memories of a bygone era.