In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the deadly conflict has claimed the lives of millions and appears to have no end. A new USIP report provides context to this protracted war, assesses current approaches and presents new options on how to resolve it.
Overview
The deadly conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of millions and appears to have no end. Violent competition for control of mineral resources, particularly in northeastern DRC, has sustained combat between regular forces as well as militias from the subregion, and contributed to a booming war economy. The USIP report, Beyond Emergency Responses in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Regional Solutions for a Regional Conflict, provides context to this protracted war, assesses current approaches and presents new options to resolve it. Authors Raymond Gilpin, Catherine Morris and Go Funai conclude that securing a lasting peace in the DRC requires two innovations: first, a greater focus on regional players and dynamics; and second, a shift from ad hoc humanitarian approaches to a more comprehensive effort that addresses the region's economic potential.
About the Authors
This USIPeace Briefing was written by Raymond Gilpin, associate vice president of the Center for Sustainable Economies at the United States Institute of Peace, Catherine Morris, a program assistant in the center, and Go Funai, a research assistant in the center.