### Invisible war: the economic impact of the conflict in DR-CONGO
This Thursday, Jeannette Katshunga, a Congolese business chief, will speak at the Press Club Brussels Europe to denounce the economic ravages caused by the persistent war in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RD-Congo). His conference, entitled “War east of the DR-Congo: who will take charge of the invoice of the disaster suffered by economic operators? Promises to draw attention to the too often underestimated consequences of this conflict on the country’s economic fabric and, by extension, to the region.
#### A war that recalls other forgotten conflicts
At first glance, the Congolese drama seems to be part of a series of long and complex conflicts that have dotted the modern history of Africa. However, what makes the situation in DR-Congo particularly significant is its paradox: while the international community continues to question the political causes of the conflict, the economic and social impact, for its part, remains dramatically unknown.
Historical of other wars in the world, such as the war in Syria or the conflict in Syria, show that the destruction of infrastructure and the disintegration of economic systems can cause long -term disastrous consequences. A World Bank report on conflict zones has revealed that the economies affected by a war can put decades to recover, if they come up one day. Although the DR-Congo has an incredible wealth of natural resources, the current violent dynamics transform this wealth into a burden, paralyzing the entrepreneurs who depend on it.
#### Economic context: when war runs tears and balance sheets
Jeannette Katshunga’s statement echoes in figures that cannot be ignored: according to recent estimates, the Kivu region has experienced a 70% drop in agricultural production and a 50% increase in the unemployment rate since the start of the conflict. Entrepreneurs, often the engine of a developing economy, find themselves on the front line of this storm.
And while political dialogue continues tirelessly, Katshunga reveals that “confiscated trucks”, “looted goods” and “paralyzed companies” are all concrete examples of this invisible war on the economic front. Most eyes turn to Kinshasa or to foreign capitals, but few care about these small and medium -sized enterprises that see their prospects vanish.
### Call for action: an urgent need for economic repairs
The question posed by Katshunga isolates an often forgotten aspect: who, ultimately, must cover the costs of this war? Companies, collateral victims of political conflicts, feel abandoned in the face of the indifference of decision -makers. A survey led by Fatshimetrie.org revealed that 78% of economic operators believe that they have not received the help necessary to rebuild themselves after incidents of violence.
It is time for the international community to become aware of this shadow that hangs over the DR-Congo. Economic compensation must be integrated into the debate on peace and security. Thus, financial support could be conditioned not only to the establishment of peace mechanisms, but also to direct assistance to affected entrepreneurs.
In short, Jeannette Katshunga’s conference must be seen as a much wider appeal. What she offers transcends the simple claims for compensation: this is a quest for a model of sustainable development within the areas affected by conflicts. It is time to hear the voice of invisible, these entrepreneurs who often make the economy without seeing it again, and to recognize the vital role they play for the rehabilitation of their country.
In a time when the accounts of political heroism dominate media discourse, it is crucial to give voice to those whose economic success can lead to a social and political renewal. The future of the DR-Congo may well depend on this listening, and the meeting of Jeannette Katshunga could constitute a turning point in understanding economic issues within armed conflicts. While the consequences of this war continue to be felt, the urgency of a paradigm change is essential.