Overview

In a new report, USIP summarizes a recent trans-Atlantic discussion with Congolese diaspora at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Authors Dorina Bekoe and Michelle Swearingen provide background of the phases of Congolese emigration, and how this and other groups have influenced events in their home countries. Participants in the daylong event discussed how Congolese around the world can help resolve the long-running conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and offered recommendations for how policymakers can improve conditions in their native country.

Summary

• Diaspora communities are a double-edged sword. They have promoted peace as often as they have spurred conflict. There are many opportunities to harness the Congolese diaspora to support peace and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• War and civil unrest have swelled the ranks of the DRC diaspora. These individuals can play a role in strategizing for sustainable solutions – particularly in the mining sector and the fight against corruption.
• Trans-Atlantic participants in the USIP diaspora dialogue called for tighter regulation, effective transparency, integration of the informal economy, greater investment flows and support for Congolese solutions to Congolese problems.
• Proposed solutions will be neither effective nor sustainable unless the war is ended and governance improves. This would involve effective regional support for peacekeeping, international efforts to deter spoilers and domestic initiatives to make governance more effective.
• The DRC diaspora are committed to be a source of advocacy, technical assistance, investment and accountability.

About the Authors

This USIPeace Briefing was written by Dorina Bekoe, a senior program officer with the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, and Michelle Swearingen, a program assistant with the Center for Sustainable Economies. Thank you to Margot Bokanga, a research assistant with the Center for Sustainable Economies, for research support.