The Forgotten War in Congo

The Forgotten War in Congo

Understanding the Conflict and Its Impact

 

For over three decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history. This war, often referred to as “the forgotten war,” has claimed the lives of millions and continues to destabilise the region, particularly in the east. While much of the world remains unaware of the scale of this crisis, it is driven by a global demand for minerals that power the technology, beauty, and consumer industries.

At AfroHairCandy🍃, we are deeply connected to Congo—not just because our ingredients are sourced from its rich soil, but because the people of Congo are at the heart of what we do. In this blog, we’ll share the history of this war, its causes, and why it’s crucial to raise awareness and take action.

A Brief History of the War in Congo

 

The roots of this conflict date back to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, when over 800,000 people were killed in a matter of months. After the genocide, Hutu extremists responsible for the atrocities fled into eastern Congo to escape justice, creating a crisis that destabilised the region.

In 1996, neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, invaded Congo to pursue these rebels, but their involvement quickly turned into a struggle for control over Congo’s vast natural resources, including gold, coltan, tin, and cobalt. These minerals are essential for electronics, batteries, and many other products we use daily.

The First Congo War (1996–1997) resulted in the overthrow of Congo’s long-time dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko, but it did not bring peace. Instead, it paved the way for the Second Congo War (1998–2003), often called “Africa’s World War” because it involved nine African countries and numerous armed groups. This conflict officially ended in 2003, but violence has persisted in eastern Congo ever since, with millions dying from fighting, disease, and hunger.

 

The Current Situation

Today, rebel groups, including the M23 militia, continue to terrorise the region with the backing of foreign powers like Rwanda, backed by the west, which profits from the illegal trade of Congo’s minerals. Goma, a city of over 2 million people, has become a focal point of the violence. On the 25th January 2025, the rebels seized Goma, threatening its population with ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The stakes are unimaginably high: millions of lives, the integrity of Congo’s natural resources, and the future of a nation rich in beauty and potential.

Why This War Matters to All of Us

Congo is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of natural resources. Its minerals power the technology we use every day—our smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. But this wealth comes at a terrible human cost. Global industries have turned a blind eye to the exploitation, allowing corruption and violence to flourish while millions of Congolese people suffer.

As a Congolese brand, we see firsthand how this conflict affects the land, the people, and the communities that have supported us from the start. Our commitment to ethical sourcing is not just about our products—it’s about standing in solidarity with our people and advocating for a future where Congo’s wealth benefits its people, not foreign powers or rebel groups.

How You Can Help

 

While the scale of this crisis is overwhelming, there are meaningful ways to make a difference:

  1. Raise Awareness: Share this blog post with your network to shed light on Congo’s ongoing struggle.
  2. Support Organisations: Donate to organisations that work directly with Congolese communities or advocate for peace.
  3. Hold Companies Accountable: Research the origins of the products you buy and demand ethical practices from brands that use Congo’s minerals.
  4. Advocate for Change: Sign petitions and contact policymakers to call for international intervention and support for Congo.

Conclusion:

The war in Congo is not just a regional issue—it’s a global crisis fueled by greed and indifference. By educating ourselves, spreading awareness, and taking action, we can honour the resilience of the Congolese people and work toward a future where they can live in peace and dignity.

Let’s not let this war remain forgotten. Together, we can stand for justice and hope for Congo.

Call to Action:
If this moved you, don’t stop here. Share this blog, take action, and stand with Congo. Every voice and every step matters.


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