The Plight of Congo Essay

Despite Congo being a country rich in mineral resources such as diamond, copper, cobalt, uranium, oil and most abundantly coltan, managing its affairs has always been challenged in different ways ranging from political and the fight against rebel groups. For over five decades since attaining independence, Congolese citizens still live in raging poverty and feminine with little or no education and proper healthcare services. The country has constantly witnessed a large number of civil wars of the past years. Civil wars especially in the Eastern regions of Congo have made thousands of Congolese population evict their homes to seek refuge in neighboring countries and other parts around the world while others remain homeless to date. Victims of these wars and specifically women have suffered rape. Despicably high cases of manslaughter attributed to the ever rising violence in the Eastern regions of Congo have been reported in the past decades. Sources indicate that since 1998, more than six million people have died as a result of violence. For instance, violence in the Kasai region has led to mass death and internal displacement of millions where about 35,000 Congolese residents fled to Angola and other thousands to countries around the world for safety.

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Many have been left asking if really Congo is a sovereign state. Well, it is clear that in Congo, the rights to ownership of public natural resources are not enjoyed by the Congolese citizens. The Congolese government as well has very little control over these mineral resources which serve as the causative agent of the ever occurring violence and civil wars. This therefore means that the sovereignty and property rights only lies in the hands of a few people or groups. It is believed that there are at least 150 armed groups of unknown descent who own and control mineral rich territories like Kivu and Katanga of Eastern Congo with numerous mineral exploitation zones. These armed groups manipulate local residents/villagers who use manual means to extract such rich minerals as gold, diamond and coltan. According to Congolese based roads engineer, it is appalling that most of those people working for the armed groups in the mineral exploitation zones are reduced to slaves and do not get paid. This is typical of the pre-colonial era.

Generally, the instability in Congo is caused by territorial fights over mineral rich territories. However, these minerals are normally trafficked and none of the ordinary Congolese citizens benefit in the end. It is said that major players in the process of mineral trafficking are former Congolese doctors who no longer work citing mineral trafficking as a lucrative source of income. Undeniably, government, security and the economy of Congo has been poisoned by mineral resources. To salvage the situation, the United Nation (UN) agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations and other financial organizations like the World Bank have tried to play part. Unfortunately, none of their efforts have brought about any significant impacts in restoration of peace and ending insecurity in Congo.

Sovereignty which basically means that the government autonomously runs its affairs is nothing to be celebrated in Congo. Political tendencies with rebellious groups in Congo have further complicated the notation that revolves around the aspect of sovereignty. The Congolese government does very little if any to fund education and health sector which are basically managed by NGOs. Unfortunately, sources also indicate that these NGOs also play a role in territorial wars provoked by competition due to their large numbers. For instance, reports show that, in Kivu alone there are about 180 NGOs. Moreover, the Congolese government has sold out its economic management to sectors like the World Bank.

Conclusion

If at all Congo is to assume her responsibilities, the country will have to overview its territories. For Congo to regain its sovereign status, the country will have to change the kind of governance maybe to a federal government system. However, Congo cannot be considered as a failed state, there are only challenges affecting and rendering the country weak and should be tackled. The military troops of Congo have done their best but still needs to do more in dealing with rebellious and other armed groups. However, it can be seen that the military is not sufficient to deal with the situation thus needs support from international security agencies. Unfortunately, sources indicate that despite the military being mandated to safeguard their land, some militaries have diverted their role to protecting unlawful miners who in return pay them. The situation in Congo is complicated and everyone is to blame including the government for failing in its duties and responsibilities. NGOs like the UN, World Bank and MNCs play a key role in helping Congolese population but the government also needs to do its work. MNCs should not go to invest in Congo for personal benefits but instead also offer solutions to problems of governance. NGOs as well should divert their interest to more pertinent issues concerning regional and political conflicts affecting Congo. In fact, NGOs are better placed to intervene and bring all government heads and opposition together to end political rivalries and restore stability of the country. Nevertheless, NGOs and other international organizations cannot afford to completely withdraw some of their services they have been offering to Congolese living in poverty. All forms of investments must be directed towards helping Congolese citizens. All said, one major investment that Congo urgently needs is education. Education will serve as a vital form of empowerment. Finally, most importantly, to resolve the plight of Congo there is need for the country to conduct free and fair elections which will allow room for the flourishing of democracy. Only then Congo shall regain its sovereignty even though the process might take a very long time.

Bibliography

Tracing Violance in Congo - The role of military. Retrieved from: Video nr 1 https://youtu.be/QgczUNfgN71

Property Rights and Sovereignty In Congo, Who Is Benefiting? Retrieved from:Video nr 2 https://youtu.be/G0A9EiW9rQg

Video link nr 3 https://artinpoliticactivism.weebly.com