Fighting has intensified in the region of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between the Rwanda-backed March 23rd Movement (M23) and the Congolese army. This follows the severance of diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda and is the latest developments in intermittent conflicts between the two states since the end of the Cold War.
The M23 group now claims control over the border city of Goma, which is home to two million people. This offensive has caused over one hundred thousand people to flee and has left bodies lying in the streets as hospitals struggle to deal with the crisis, reports Al Jazeera. According to the United Nations (UN), raping and looting have been reported by its agencies on the ground. In the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, the embassies of Belgium, France, the United States, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa were attacked by protesters angry over international inaction. The renewed violence threatens to spiral into another war between the two states as both the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) met on Tuesday the 28th to discuss the crisis.
The Congo region of Africa has long suffered the effects of colonialism as a result of European powers seeking raw materials. The North Kivu region of the DRC is rich in deposits of gold, cassiterite, diamonds, coltan, tourmaline, pyrochlore, and wolfram. These materials can be used to extract tin and produce electronics, health products, and other goods. The area was colonized by Belgium in the 19th century and was known as the Congo Free State. Belgium’s goals with the colony were increased national prestige and direct access to rubber for export. Through extremely harsh labor practices, disease, and famine the region experienced some of the worst colonial crimes, with estimates of deaths ranging from 1.5-13 million.
We support the UN’s call for Rwandan troops to leave Congolese territory immediately, and we demand aid supplies be recommenced to handle the worsening humanitarian crisis. We also support the AU’s call for an immediate ceasefire and support the Communique released by the organization’s Peace and Security Council. We support the East African Community’s call for an unconditional cessation of hostilities, and hope it will play a central role in restarting peace talks. We applaud the United States and Russia for supporting an immediate ceasefire and removal of foreign troops from the DRC and agree with the French representative that the risk of regional spillover is all too real.
Rwanda has been one of the greatest economic success stories in Africa over recent years, and it is projected to see an increase in gross domestic product of 7.7% on average over the next two years, according to the World Bank. This makes Rwanda one of the fastest growing economies in the world and this will enable its citizens to experience happier and healthier lives. It cannot, however, experience such growth at the expense of its neighbors, whether by violations of their sovereignty for access to valuable minerals or through the support of militant groups such as M23. We, therefore, support a return to the Luanda Process to ease tensions and restore relations between Rwanda and the DRC as well as explorations for developing further mechanisms from which a lasting peace can be established. Should this fail, the UNSC should level sanctions against the Rwandan government and officials directly tied to M23 and other support of destabilizing activities in the region. We also urge international businesses and leaders, particularly in the tourism industry, to cease investment in the country should it continue to act aggressively and in violation of international law.
The crisis in the DRC is yet another reminder of the UN’s failings as a conflict-resolving institution. This is largely due to the construction of the UNSC by the five victorious superpowers following the Second World War. Our Survival Bill details two positions which would help in this regard. First, by abolishing the veto of those five permanent members, global security will not be at the mercy of the particular national interests of the great powers. Second, the jurisdictions of the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court must be compulsory and enforceable on all UN member states.
Such reforms will not become reality without passionate people in positions of power who can make a difference. Therefore, we ask that you support our campaign to make our co-founder, Colombe Cahen-Salvador, the next UN Secretary-General to lead this charge. Lastly, one person, even the UN Secretary-General, cannot make such radical reforms alone. This is why we also ask that you join our party, share our message, and stand with us in elections, big and small. Together we can build a coalition operating at all levels of government in multiple countries to steer the globe in directions which ensure our survival.
By Trent Trepanier.
Picture: TimeLive