AFRICAN CONFLICTS AND DRC PERSPECTIVES

This episode of “Rolling with Dr M” features a deep, insightful interview with Professor Ibrahim Aamba Steven, a political science expert based at the University of Pretoria, Johannesburg. The discussion centers on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country rich in natural resources but plagued by one of the longest and deadliest conflicts in modern history—ongoing for over 25 years with more than 7 million fatalities. Professor Steven explains the origins, complexities, and persistence of this conflict, addressing why it is underreported globally despite its devastating human toll. The war started in 1996, catalyzed by internal governance failures under Mobutu’s regime, the Rwandan genocide’s refugee crisis, and interference by neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. The interview explores how flawed international peace processes, inappropriate government strategies—such as rewarding armed groups with political positions—and systemic bad governance have perpetuated instability. Professor Steven emphasizes that the government’s failure to reform the army, create jobs, and promote national reconciliation among ethnic groups sustains the conflict. Moreover, he proposes practical solutions and visionary leadership strategies he would implement if he were President of the DRC, including improving salaries, building a republican army, initiating road infrastructure to boost regional connectivity, and advancing internal unity. The episode closes with a prayer for peace and wisdom for the DRC leadership. This discussion sheds essential light on the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, advocating for greater global awareness and internal reform.

Highlights
🌍 The DRC is Africa’s second-largest country with immense mineral wealth but remains devastated by conflict.
⚔️ Over 7 million people have died in a war since 1996, making it the deadliest and longest conflict in the world.
🕊️ The conflict began due to governance collapse, Rwandan genocide fallout, and regional power struggles involving Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.
💼 Peace processes failed partly because armed groups are rewarded with government positions, encouraging recurring violence.
🔥 Bad governance, lack of jobs, and ethnic divisions fuel ongoing conflict and insecurity in eastern DRC.
🙏 The episode ends with a prayer for peace, wisdom, and visionary leadership for the DRC.
Key Insights
💎 Resource paradox deepens conflict: Despite being the richest country in mineral resources (including cobalt vital for electronics), the DRC remains engulfed in conflict because control over resources fuels armed groups who profit from instability. This “resource curse” illustrates how wealth without good governance can worsen violence.
🕰️ Conflict longevity linked to flawed peace mechanisms: International peace efforts often imposed externally failed because they didn’t address local realities nor involve Congolese stakeholders properly. Rewarding militias with political or military positions created incentives for rebels to keep fighting, rather than disarm.
🤝 Ethnic and regional fragmentation undermines unity: The war intensified ethnic tensions, particularly between Congolese of Rwandan origin and others. Without national reconciliation mechanisms that promote shared identity and healing, division remains a barrier to sustainable peace.
🛡️ Army reform is critical but complex: The current national army includes former rebels from neighboring countries who lack allegiance to the DRC, leading to infiltration and weakened state control. Rebuilding a professional, trustworthy army is foundational to ending violence but requires vetting and political will.
💼 Economic factors drive armed groups’ persistence: Many local militias survive by exploiting mineral wealth or forcing people into illegal economies. Lack of jobs and poverty pushes youth into militias as a lucrative survival strategy. Effective disarmament programs must include income generation alternatives.
🎯 Leadership vision and governance reform are paramount: Professor Steven argues that strong, visionary leadership focused on government transparency, fair salaries, infrastructure, and diplomacy with international powers will harness the DRC’s potential and create stability, a model valuable for conflict-ridden countries globally.
This episode is a critical wake-up call to international audiences about the DRC’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and underscores that peace in the region depends on comprehensive governance reform, genuine reconciliation, and strategic development initiatives. It challenges common media silence and offers hope that transformative leadership can unlock Africa’s “forgotten giant.”
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/african-conflicts-and-drc-perspectives--63192796

Видео AFRICAN CONFLICTS AND DRC PERSPECTIVES канала MyCityMyMusicRadio