ThePrint CutTheClutter: Trump brokers DR Congo-Rwanda truce: How resource curse fuelled unending conflict in heart of Africa
Jun 27, 2025
Discover the complex history of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its tumultuous relationship with Rwanda, shaped by colonial legacies and ongoing conflicts. Explore how rich resources like tantalum and cobalt contribute to the 'resource curse' that fuels instability. Learn about the significant peace deal recently brokered and the international influences surrounding these issues. Delve into the legacies of key historical figures and the challenges posed by foreign interventions and rebel groups.
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Root of Rwanda-DRC Conflict
- The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC traces back to deep ethnic massacres and ongoing wars.
- The 1994 Rwandan genocide of Tutsis by Hutus remains a critical memory affecting regional tensions.
Belgian Colonial Legacy in DRC
- Belgium's harsh colonial rule left DRC with minimal education and political stability.
- This extreme exploitation contributed to Congo's post-independence chaos and vulnerability to external interference.
DRC's Tragic Wars
- DRC endured repeated wars including two major ones killing 6 million people, equal to two Holocausts.
- The country's immense mineral wealth paradoxically fueled bloodshed and instability.
