Why the Congo Needs Our Support
The Congo has a rich history and immense potential. At Africa New Day, we are committed to providing support to help the Congolese overcome decades of violence, poverty, and loss by empowering its people to create lasting peace and prosperity from within.
Centuries of Strife
The Congo has endured centuries of exploitation and suffering due to the slave trade, colonization, resource exploitation, wars, and political unrest. Despite these challenges, the people of the Congo remain resilient and hopeful for a brighter future.
The History of the Congo
The history of suffering in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) goes back centuries, most notably beginning with the transatlantic slave trade, robbing the Congo of 5 million people from 1500-1800, and disbanding its thriving empire.
Since then, and into the present day, the exploitation of the Congo’s natural resources has often been marked by conflict, human rights abuses, environmental degradation and uneven distribution of wealth, with many Congolese people experiencing little benefit from their country's resources. These resources have included rubber, copper, ivory, diamonds and timber. Currently, wealthy countries continue to benefit from the exploitation of the Congo and its people through the mining of cobalt and coltan—both essential components in many electronics like cell phones and electric cars.
Several regime changes have also contributed to the poverty and suffering of the people of Congo. Belgium colonized Congo in the late 1800s, and King Leopold II extensively exploited the land and the people. After an international outcry at the atrocities of King Leopold II, the DRC gained independence. However, the aftermath of independence was marked by political instability, conflicts and challenges in nation-building, including the assassination of the first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, and subsequent interventions by foreign powers.
On top of all that, wars within African countries, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the Second Congo War involving nine countries fighting on Congolese soil, have all ravaged both the land and the people.
Despite centuries of exploitation and suffering, there is hope for the people of the Congo. From within, the majority of people are eager for peace and stability. There are foreign and domestic efforts to invest in economic development, improved education and healthcare, and environmental advocacy-–resulting in transformation across the Congo.
1200s
Rise of Kongo empire, centred in modern northern Angola and including extreme western Congo and territories round lakes Kisale and Upemba in central Katanga (now Shaba).
1482
Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao becomes the first European to visit the Congo; Portuguese set up ties with the king of Kongo.
1500s
British, Dutch, Portuguese and French merchants begin to engage in slave trade through Kongo intermediaries.
1885
Belgium’s King Leopold II launches a 75-year colonial period marked by forced labor, exploitation of natural resources, disease, and mass killings. The Congo Free State, established by a land grab in 1885, becomes an official colony of Belgium in 1908.
1960s
Congo becomes independent in June 1960 and enters a period of post-independence turmoil. Katanga declares independence, UN troops begin disarming rebel forces. By 1965, army chief Joseph Mobutu seizes power.
1971
Joseph Mobutu renames the country Zaire and himself Mobutu Sese Seko; Katanga becomes Shaba and the river Congo becomes the river Zaire.
1994-1997
Rwanda invades Zaire, in an effort to root out rebel groups taking refuge there, sparking the First Congo War. This draws in neighboring Uganda, Angola, Zambia, and other armed groups. Tutsi rebels capture much of eastern Zaire.
1997
Tutsi and other anti-Mobutu rebels, aided principally by Rwanda, capture the capital, Kinshasa; Zaire is renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo; Laurent-Desire Kabila installed as president.
1998-2003
The Second Congo War begins with a rebellion led by ethnic Tutsi minority forces in the eastern DRC. Rwandan support fuels a march westward, while Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola and others support Kabila’s forces. Peace is achieved in 2003, but the war’s deadly legacy continues to be felt in continuing ethnic violence, instability, authoritarian leadership, and extreme poverty
2006
New constitution comes into force; new national flag is adopted. Presidential and parliamentary polls are held - the first free elections in four decades. Joseph Kabila is declared winner of October's run-off presidential election. The poll has the general approval of international monitors.
2010s & 2020s
Violence continues to escalate, especially in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Despite an inter-agency scale-up in humanitarian response in the summer of 2023, conditions worsen in the early months of 2024.
Current Opportunities for Change
Despite the difficulties, there are significant opportunities for transformation in the Congo. With investment in education, economic development, and advocacy, we can create sustainable change.
Education
Building schools and providing scholarships to empower the next generation.
Advocacy
Raising awareness and promoting human rights and good governance.
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Economic Development
Creating job opportunities and supporting local businesses.
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