Victoire Fikiri Gakuru
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffers ongoing violence while the international community remains silent. The nation faces destruction from foreign exploitation and invasions, but African countries have offered little response.
South Africa stands as Africa’s economic leader and celebrates democratic successes yet full African freedom will never be achieved if the DRC stays oppressed.
Living as a Congolese refugee exposed me to the ugliness of forced displacement alongside the violence of war.
My country continues to face family separation, village destruction and external wealth exploitation which represents a current reality beyond historical events.
South Africa must fulfil both ethical and strategic responsibilities through action. The crisis in Congo extends beyond national borders to become a continental African emergency. Africa will continue to experience compromised stability and economic independence as well as lost dignity if no action is taken.
The ongoing instability in Congo triggers large-scale displacement, widespread human rights violations and violent conflict which extends beyond its borders and creates instability in adjacent nations. Regional security stands under threat from both illegal arms trafficking and refugee emergencies. Foreign interests battle for control in the DRC causing South Africa to experience the resulting ripple effects.
South Africa’s economic prospects depend heavily on the future developments in Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo holds $24 trillion in untapped minerals with coltan, cobalt, and gold among the vast resources.
The minerals that drive the world economy create wealth for foreign businesses but leave millions of Congolese trapped in poverty. If Congo becomes free and wealthy, then Africa can manage its own resources better and secure its future economic stability through stronger trade among African nations.
The DRC has been the battleground for covert wars between Rwanda and Uganda who use militias like M23 to control mineral-rich areas under security pretences for decades.
Since 1996 countless people have lost their lives through massacres, forced displacements and militia attacks. The UN Mapping Report of 2010 recorded these brutal acts, but global indifference allowed the ongoing silent genocide to spread without restraint.
Without intervention the DRC will remain divided forever with its resources managed by foreign nations.
Africa risks becoming more economically dependent on multinational companies that will determine its direction. Uncontrolled imperial ambitions historically grow stronger which implies no African country will remain immune from such invasions.
As a former symbol of freedom South Africa must take a stand against this emergency. Global unity was essential in defeating apartheid which shows why the DRC requires similar solidarity today. The nation needs to leverage its diplomatic power to motivate both the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to officially denounce outside intervention in the DRC. The nation’s leadership must prioritize Congo's dire situation in its foreign policy agenda by promoting negotiations that protect the DRC’s sovereignty.
Economic action is equally essential
The South African government needs to adopt a strict position to deter corporations from benefiting financially through illegal mining activities in the DRC.
Entities exploiting Congolese resources require boycott enforcement and African investments need prioritization to retain Congo’s wealth on the continent. The move toward ethical trade practices would demonstrate Africa's commitment to protecting its resources from exploitation.
Security cooperation is critical
South Africa needs to offer military training and logistical assistance to Congolese forces who are defending their borders against militias supported by foreign powers. A collaborative security effort would demonstrate Africa's refusal to accept the continual disruption of its countries for external economic benefits.
This fight requires more than just government action.
South African citizens alongside students and activists need to act now. Educational institutions and communities should initiate awareness campaigns to help people grasp Congo’s suffering and how it affects Africa’s future.
The use of social media platforms should aim to reveal how corporations and foreign governments are benefiting from Congo's hardships.
Consumer choices also play a role. Choosing not to buy products from the DRC that were sourced through unethical means demonstrates strong opposition to exploitative corporate practices.
Business investments that adhere to fair trade principles help to build economic resilience across Africa.
Political pressure is vital
The South African government needs to publicly oppose all kinds of international interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. National efforts must prioritise stronger African Union intervention and policy reforms to address the Congo crisis.
The fate of Africa depends on the situation unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
If South Africa stands idle while Congo endures its hardships it will violate Pan-African principles. The time for words has passed. South Africa faces the choice of being remembered as a supportive nation to Congo during its darkest times or as a silent bystander while Africa suffered. The survival of Africa depends on saving the Congo which stands as its most crucial moral challenge.
The time to act is now.
** Victoire Fikiri Gakuru is currently in South Africa completing a multi-country MA program on Diplomacy and International Relations at the School for International Training (SIT).
*** The views contained here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL.
IOL Opinion