The Landscape of Armed Groups in eastern Congo
(the cover photo of this article is a partial screenshot of the full map linked below) Two decades of armed conflict have created a complex topography in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Current estimates by research institutions, multilateral and non-governmental organisations, and individual analysts indicate a myriad of over fifty … Continue reading
Genocide? Religious war? The inflationary use of buzzwords in CAR’s violent imbroglio
For quite some time, I have been refraining from writing about the current conflicts in the Central African Republic. There is good reason for that, given I have never done actual fieldwork in this country. However, the recent escalation of violence has brought along a dangerous escalation of narratives, similar to that we know from … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #25: Et si on faisait fin à la communauté internationale?
Et si on faisait fin à la communauté internationale? Arsene Tungali Je me suis posée cette question à plusieurs reprises mais je n’y ai jamais réfléchi sérieusement avant aujourd’hui. La communauté internationale je la prends comme étant toute autre chose que le Congo et le Congolais, vivant sur notre sol ou à l’extérieur. Depuis … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #24: Promoting the values of ubuntu and their implications on peacebuilding in the DRC
Promoting the values of ubuntu and their implications on peacebuilding in the DRC Michel Bigwi [1] The purpose of this article is discuss how Congolese can engage the discourses that promote the values of ubuntu (quality of human-ness) and the implications of these values on conflict prevention and resolution in DR Congo. In addition, the … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #23: Colonial Remembering, Injured Bodies, and Current Humanitarianism
Colonial Remembering, Injured Bodies, and Current Humanitarianism Charlotte Mertens Congolese colonial subjects narrate vivid memories of the grotesque and spectacular violence inflicted upon them by European ‘sadists’ during Leopold’s reign of the Congo Free State: “Soldiers made young men kill or rape their own mother and sisters” (Hochschild 1988:166). Colonial rememberings of 1953 mention … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #22: Eradicating the FDLR for Sustainable Peace and Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Eradicating the FDLR for Sustainable Peace and Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo Olivier Nduhungirehe There is a general consensus that one of the root causes of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The former Government’s army (ex-FAR), the Interahamwe militias … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #21: Tomorrow, maybe…
Tomorrow, maybe… Mbuku Ngomanseke “Every man hears only what he understands” (Goethe). Nowhere else, this is so true than in the Great Lakes region. For almost two decades, the Eastern part of DRC has been the epicentre of violence and seemingly never ending conflicts. While a lot of initiatives have been tried, numerous conferences took place … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #20: Reforming the Congolese security sector
Reforming the Congolese security sector Timo Mueller Eastern Congo has been a fertile environment for the development and growth of armed groups. As a result, violence is a currency frequently traded, leaving the Kivus in a protracted crisis. But it is not just armed groups that exact a devastating toll on the civilian population. In … Continue reading
Finally good news? What militia surrenders mean for eastern Congo
A few days ago, I have argued in this piece that M23’s demise has not entrenched automatism in appeasing conflicts across the Kivus. While it can be filed as a first success in lowering armed conflict in the region, key protagonists must maintain their vigilance and – with a more political and diplomatic focus – continue … Continue reading
Amani Itakuya #19: American Advocacy for the Congo – The Importance of Unity
American Advocacy for the Congo – The Importance of Unity Anand Upadhyaya The work being done on behalf of the Congo by the American advocacy community is truly inspiring. Being relatively new to Congo advocacy, I have found this group of analysts, academics, and activists to be open and inclusive in sharing their unique perspective … Continue reading
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