BY:

Eugene Herring

Shanelle Mohawk

Mariama Sidique

Deniece Yeboah

Before NGOs can effectively work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the international community must first recognize and address the insecurity and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Africa’s first world war” Over 1,000 people continue to die each day from Diseases, Malnutrition and Ongoing Violence

Legacy of colonialism: 1885 Belgian imposition of colonial rule by King Leopold II

War broke out again in August 1998 -Rwandan troops backing Congolese Tutsi rebels invaded Congo

Between 1998 and 2004, an estimated 4 million people died in the ensuing conflict

In March 2005, the UN described Eastern Congo as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis”.

Violence has been fuelled by Congo’s mineral wealth.

WARNING:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwjt-mgM8E0

Rwandan RefugeesMinerals exported Northern NGOs

seeking to address issues

Refugees continue to contribute to the humanitarian crisis

Displacement of thousands of Hutu and Tutsi refugees due to civil war/genocide

Refugees remain in hiding or are settled with the local population in that region, fearing reprisals if they return home

The refugees have credible fears of attacks by the Rwandan military once they return to their homes

DRC seeks repatriation

Natural Resources ExportedMineral reserves mean the DRC has the potential to

become a prosperous stateProminent potential industries: petroleum extraction,

cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm, oil, soap, flour, cigarettes

Natural resources play a role in explaining the character of the colonial rule, but post colonial leaders have never sought to break the cycle

It is hoped elections will create an environment for greater foreign investment and a more organized exploitation of resources

Foreign businesses have curtailed current mineral operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and difficult operating environment

Link between poverty and conflict

Attention from NGOsThe DRC is a transnational issue because NGOs

like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, WHO are raising awareness within public arena

The DRC has been considered a transnational issue since the Congo Crisis (1960-1965)• a period of turmoil in the First Republic of the

Congo that began with national independence from Belgium

• UN military intervention• It is also debated that the Congo has been a site of

a cold war Proxy battle between the United States and the Soviet Union

Focus on reviving communities and strengthen local capacity for recovery.

The largest provider of humanitarian aid in DRC

Provide essential health care for 3.6 million people, constructing and repairing hospitals and clinics in DRC

Focus on health issues and the alleviation of treatable diseases such as malaria, meningitis, measles, AIDS and child malnutrition

Established to facilitate the implementation of the Lusaka Accord signed in 1999

DRC government does not contribute to the finances

Top Donors of gross ODA (2003/4) (US$ million) www.monuc .com

1. United States 804

2. France 775

3. Belgium 529

4. Germany 314

5. Italy 235

6. IDA 235

7. European Commission

165

8. United Kingdom 162

9. Netherlands 140

10. Sweden 97

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDOuk3g3ZmQ

Realism – no intervention or intervention only based on national interests (power and notions of domination)

Liberal Institutionalism- UN-led intervention/peacekeeping should focus on establishing basic security and ability to trade

Constructivism- The atrocities require a humanitarian intervention and prosecution at the ICC

Feminism- Focus on gender, and how women/girls are affected by the violence

Realist thought is the foundation of wars, especially those that tend to exploit resources, as well as people. Realist thought is based on strength, which comes from the military. This military power is used as a coercive tool in order to obtain the things that a state may want or need.

Strengthen UN Mandates - Proceed, with MONUC, to establish a weapons-free zone, disarm new militias and have more peace keeping forces in the area -MONUC should establish joint monitoring teams with

the national army to control troop movementsMore Government NGO Cooperation DRC Government rebuilding infrastructureRenewed violence reduction programProsecutor of ICC should investigate atrocity crimes

committed and prosecute those most responsible

http://www.theirc.org/where/the_irc_in_democratic_republic_of_congo.html

http://www.monuc.org/News.aspx?newsID=11448&menuOpened=DRC%20profile

http://www.who.int/about/en/