Thousands killed, millions displaced. Is the West giving up on the Congo?
Feb 26, 2025
auto_awesome
Emmet Livingstone, a former AFP and Politico journalist, brings his frontline insights from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He dives into the alarming humanitarian crisis, detailing how millions are displaced and thousands killed, all while receiving minimal media attention. Livingstone discusses the complex web of conflicts, militia involvement, and the contrast with global responses to other crises. Tune in for a deep exploration of why this critical situation isn’t on the West’s radar, and what it means for those on the ground.
The escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 5.8 million displaced individuals amidst ongoing armed conflicts.
International neglect of the DRC's situation, often perceived as 'Congo fatigue,' raises concerns about unequal attention compared to other global conflicts like that in Ukraine.
Deep dives
Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated dramatically, with over 5.8 million citizens currently displaced due to ongoing armed conflicts. The situation is compounded by the recent resurgence of violence in eastern provinces, where battles between the Congolese army and Rwandan-backed rebels have resulted in significant territorial losses and substantial civilian casualties. Reports indicate that approximately 90 displacement camps have been destroyed, leaving countless individuals without shelter, food, or medical care. The international community's response has been feeble, raising concerns about a comparative neglect akin to that experienced during other international conflicts.
Complexity of the Conflict and Responsibility
The conflict in the DRC reflects a deeper entanglement of various interests, with both the Congolese army and the M23 rebels committing severe human rights abuses. While external observers may see the Congolese government as the legitimate authority fighting against foreign-backed insurgents, the reality is far more complex; both sides view themselves as defenders of their respective communities. Humanitarian organizations face immense challenges in delivering assistance due to the rampant violence and sporadic accessibility to affected populations. The crisis portrays a war rather than a mere conflict, involving sophisticated warfare tactics similar to modern military engagements, raising the stakes for local civilians caught in the crossfire.
Media Coverage and Global Attention
There's a noticeable lack of media coverage regarding the DRC, which many view as a consequence of 'Congo fatigue' within the international community. This neglect contrasts sharply with the attention given to conflicts in other regions, such as Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Rwanda's strategic positioning and historical context play significant roles in shaping the global response, as Western nations grapple with addressing their past involvement in the Rwandan genocide while being careful not to upset a seemingly stable regime. The complexities of the DRC's issues must be recognized and addressed with the same seriousness applied to conflicts in developed nations to foster a better understanding of the situation.
Thursday Headlines: Dutton defends share purchases and late property disclosures, religious sect jailed over death of Elizabeth Struhs, cost of private health insurance in Australia to go up and Marty Sheargold and Triple M "mutually part ways".
Deep Dive: Millions of people have been displaced, thousands killed, and tensions with Rwanda are threatening to spill into a regional war—so why aren’t we hearing more about the Democratic Republic of Congo?
While the country is no stranger to political instability, its latest flare-up along its eastern border is capturing little to no Western attention, despite it attracting condemnation from the United Nations.
In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with former AFP and Politico journalist Emmet Livingstone from inside the DRC to explain what’s happening – and why it feels like a huge chunk of the world’s not watching.