Over 7 million Congolese are displaced right now in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Women and girls are raped everyday and have no protection or healthcare.
Forced evictions are underway for cobalt and copper mines.
Mine workers face slave conditions.
The genocide and violence occurring in the Congo will not stop until world leaders hold Rwandan and Ugandan officials accountable for supporting M23 which is made up mostly of Rwandan soldiers and militia. The genocide and violence occurring in the Congo will not stop until mining corporations no longer take land that is not theirs and end the attacks on innocent Congolese landowners. The fighting began last year when M23 (March 23 Movement) claimed that President Tshisekedi did not follow through with a previous peace treaty and amnesty for M23 fighters who have committed past atrocities. Other militia groups are also committing rapes and killing. The FDLR (Democratic Forces for Rwandan Liberation) are also perpetrating these horrific crimes against the innocent Congolese.
It seems that there is no safety for Congolese women. Even humanitarian organizations are sexually assaulting women in the DRC. 8 UN peacekeepers have been accused of sexual assault in the Congo. The UN suspended these peacekeepers, but even the people sent to “help” the Congolese are no help to them.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, elections are being held but voters and candidates are concerned over the fairness of these elections. In past elections, protesters have died when voicing their opposition to the results. The elections have been extended, which is concerning to Congolese voters who want fair and credible elections. President Tshisekedi is campaigning for a second term. So far, he is in the lead. The issue is that the president of the DRC is not taking any definitive action to protect his people.
The Congo produces the worlds cobalt which powers both mobile phones and also electric vehicles and solar panels. They are also a leading producer of diamonds and copper. ALL of the fighting is over these resources and control of these resources. The stolen cobalt from just one year resulted in over a billion in revenue.
What we can do:
M23 needs to be labeled a terrorist group and sanctioned.
Any countries supporting M23 should be sanctioned.
Rwanda and Uganda have aided the M23 militia and must be held accountable.
Speak up about the genocide and human rights abuses occurring in the Congo.
Demand protections for Congolese women and access to healthcare.
Demand sanctions for Rwanda.
Demand sanctions for Uganda.
Donate to Congolese aid groups.
Do not purchase a new mobile phone, EV, or solar panels right now.
Articles you should read and share:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/06/dr-congo-atrocities-rwanda-backed-m23-rebels
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/13/dr-congo-killings-rapes-rwanda-backed-m23-rebels
https://www.dw.com/en/conflict-in-eastern-dr-congo-flares-again/a-67203737
https://republic.com.ng/october-november-2023/congo-cobalt-genocide/
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/09/drc-cobalt-and-copper-mining-for-batteries-leading-to-human-rights-abuses/
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/how-congos-election-could-unfold-why-it-matters-2023-12-22/
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142247 (UN peacekeepers suspended for sexual assault)
From the river to the sea, may the whole world be free.
Protest. Donate. Boycott. Contact your elected officials and demand sanctions. Share the stories from the Congo. Share the news from the Congo. Share the history of the Congo. Please extend the same energy to other areas and people facing atrocity and genocide- Sudan, Gaza, West Papua, the Rohingyans, Armenians, and the Uyghurs.