{"id":287130,"date":"2025-02-03T12:00:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T12:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=287130"},"modified":"2025-01-30T05:42:36","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T05:42:36","slug":"congos-war-from-genocide-to-living-by-genocide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2025\/02\/congos-war-from-genocide-to-living-by-genocide\/","title":{"rendered":"Congo’s War: From Genocide to Living by Genocide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rwanda<\/em> –> the Israel of Africa<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

29 Jan 2025 –<\/em> The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains one of the most volatile regions in the world, plagued by persistent conflict, exploitation, and foreign interference. The ongoing offensive by the M23 rebel group in the eastern part of the Congo, backed by Rwanda, highlights the complex web of geopolitics and resource exploitation that fuels instability in the region. This conflict is more than a localized struggle; it represents a broader pattern of global economic interests undermining the sovereignty and well-being of African nations.<\/p>\n

The M23 Offensive and Rwanda’s Role<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eastern Congo is once again under siege as the M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF), overrun Goma, a key city in the region. Despite alleged peace negotiations mediated by Angola, the conflict persists, with Rwanda providing logistical support, arms, and training to the so-called rebels.<\/p>\n

The motivation behind Rwanda\u2019s involvement is clear: access to Congo’s vast mineral wealth. By destabilizing the region, displacing local populations, and taking control of resource-rich territories, Rwanda secures a steady flow of valuable minerals, including cobalt, copper, and lithium, at minimal cost. These resources are critical for global industries, particularly in the technology and renewable energy sectors.<\/p>\n

Geopolitical Context: The Role of Global Powers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The DRC’s vast mineral reserves have made it a target for international exploitation. The recent discussions in Davos, where Congo\u2019s President F\u00e9lix Tshisekedi sought funding for the Lobito Corridor\u2014a project aimed at improving access to the country\u2019s mineral wealth\u2014underscore the global stakes involved. This project, while framed as an infrastructure development initiative, raises concerns about who will ultimately benefit from Congo\u2019s resources.<\/p>\n

Notably, the timing of rebel offensives often coincides with major geopolitical events or resource negotiations. This pattern suggests that the conflict is not merely a local or regional issue but part of a larger global dynamic where Western powers, multinational corporations, and their African proxies vie for control of Congo\u2019s wealth.<\/p>\n

Rwanda: The “Israel of Africa”<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s role in the Congo mirrors Israel\u2019s position in the Middle East. Both nations, backed by Western powers\u2014most notably the United States\u2014act as regional enforcers, often with little accountability for their actions. Rwanda, like Israel, serves as a proxy for Western interests, ensuring access to resources and maintaining a balance of power favorable to its backers.<\/p>\n

This comparison is particularly striking given Rwanda\u2019s involvement in conflicts across Africa, including Mozambique and the Central African Republic, where it protects foreign interests, such as French oil company Total. The Western backing of Rwanda, including military aid from the European Union, underscores the strategic importance of the country as a tool for maintaining influence in Africa.<\/p>\n

The US and EU have supported and worked with Rwanda’s invasion and occupation of Congo, which began in 1996 when it was still called Zaire\u2014and it hasn\u2019t stopped since. The mineral trade is so lucrative that in February 2024, the European Commission surprised many Congolese by announcing a \u201cMemorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains\u201d<\/a> with Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Kagame is a ruthless dictator, but America and Europe turn a blind eye as long as his violence (partly on their behalf) is directed solely at Africans. This reflects a deep-rooted colonial racism at play.<\/p>\n

Challenges Facing the Congolese Government<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Congolese government faces immense challenges in addressing this multifaceted crisis. The national army is fragmented, with many former rebel leaders now serving as generals, undermining cohesion and trust. Moreover, the government\u2019s priorities often appear misaligned, with key officials focusing on international engagements rather than addressing the immediate threats at home.<\/p>\n

Compounding these issues is the government\u2019s reinstatement of the death penalty during the ongoing conflict. This move, ostensibly aimed at deterring collaboration with rebels, has raised concerns about human rights abuses and the targeting of political opposition.<\/p>\n

The Fight for Sovereignty<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo\u2019s struggle for sovereignty has been marked by external interference and internal challenges. The Congolese people continue to fight for control over their land and resources, but they face formidable opponents: neighboring countries acting as proxies for Western interests, multinational corporations, and their own political elite.<\/p>\n

The current crisis in Goma is a stark reminder of the stakes involved. As Rwanda proxies threaten the stability of the whole region , the Congolese people are caught in a struggle that is as much about their survival as it is about the future of their nation.<\/p>\n

A Call to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

Internationally, we must recognize the gravity of the situation in the Congo. It is not merely a regional conflict but a reflection of global inequities and the exploitation of Africa\u2019s resources.<\/p>\n

Holding Rwanda and its backers accountable is essential to ending the cycle of violence and ensuring that Congo\u2019s wealth benefits its people, not foreign interests exclusively. By the time Trump took office, Rwanda’s annexation efforts in Congo were well underway, with no signs of a policy shift. For both Democrats and Republicans, regardless of race, neocolonialism remains the strategy, leaving the Congolese people to endure ongoing suffering.<\/p>\n

The fight for a new Congo continues, driven by the resilience and determination of its people. However, achieving lasting peace and justice will require not only internal reforms but also a fundamental shift in the global approach to Africa\u2014a shift that prioritizes equity, accountability, and respect for sovereignty over profit and power.<\/p>\n

____________________________________________<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> Ra\u00efs Neza Boneza is the author of fiction as well as non-fiction, poetry books and articles. He was born in the Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Former Za\u00efre). He is also an activist and peace practitioner. Ra\u00efs is convener of <\/em>the TRANSCEND Network for Peace Development Environment<\/a> for<\/em> Central and African Great Lakes and uses his work to promote artistic expressions as a means to deal with conflicts and maintaining mental wellbeing, spiritual growth and healing. He has travelled extensively in Africa and around the world as a lecturer, educator and consultant for various NGOs and institutions. His work is premised on art, healing, solidarity, peace, conflict transformation and human dignity issues. Ra\u00efs work also as freelance journalist based in Trondheim, Norway. You can reach him at <\/em>rais.boneza@gmail.com<\/em><\/a>. <\/em>http:\/\/www.raisnezaboneza.no<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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