The Growing Requisition for Conflict Resolution in the DRC

The need for today’s world to encompass the highest capacity of conflict resolution is evermore growing with the last century marking over 800 million deaths due to war.[1] This is particularly evident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is noted as the deadliest war since World War II and deemed Africa’s First World War in the 1990s[2]. Deaths from the DRC constitute immensely higher mortality rates than the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and Darfur.[3] This fact alone implies the need to focus on the greatest conflicts and implement interventions where they are needed the most. This discrepancy between conflict severity and implemented interventions is also seen in the news, where there is an unbalanced view of conflicts and deaths based on news coverage.[4] With the conflict worsening more than improving in the DRC, it is imperative that outside nations realize their accountability, the need for accuracy, and the call to action.

            The study of peace and conflict holds considerable suggestions for how to deal with current ongoing and future conflicts. Studies suggest a need for a growing economy, a stable government, and increased education. The DRC was ranked in 2005 as the second country in the world with the slowest economic growth rate.[5] Seeing as the country is rich in mineral resources, the end of conflict marks a significant chance for revitalization and a positive means of growth.  This harsh reality of a poor economy despite vast mineral wealth is a serious detriment and tragedy for the civilians. 

            Along with one of the slowest growing economies, the DRC also lacks a strong government. The President aims to change the law regarding election to a one round vote, which would inevitably be a step back for the system.[6] After fifty years of independence, the people are still awaiting the benefits of independence.[7]

            Despite these forlorn descriptions, the DRC does have more degrees and a greater level of education than the country did at the beginning of independence.[8] When conflict is resolved there will be a higher chance for increased education, and this must be enacted as the best chance for the DRC to recover from its horrific past and hope to spur growth for the future.

            The costs to war are greater than the lives lost; other costs include injuries, refugees, internally displaced persons, survivors with lasting trauma, destruction of infrastructure and the environment, and increased expenditures.[9] With all of these atrocities stemming from conflict, it is vital that action is taken to end the war in the DRC through the scope of peace and conflict studies with an overarching goal to stimulate economic growth, secure a stable government system, and continue the expansion of education for the Congolese community.