The Challenges And Effects Of Violent Conflict On Development: A Study Of The Democratic Republic Of Congo (Drc)

ABSTRACT

The topic under review examined the ‘Challenges and Effects of Violent Conflict on

Development: A Study of the Democratic Republic of Congo’. The Democratic Republic of

Congo has been plunged in violent conflict for the last three decades, with catastrophic effects

for its development. The contemporary conflicts in the DRC are to an extent a repetition of

former conflicts, indicating that the primary causes of the conflict have not been properly

tackled. The armed conflict and violence in the DRC has affected tens of thousands of families

and has created a growingly pathetic humanitarian situation. Brutal clashes between groups

have brought on many consequences for people, killing, wounding and traumatising many, with

villages burnt down and fields destroyed, causing a vast displacement of the population.

The study therefore revealed that based on the general assessment and analysis in this study,

these concurrent conflicts have resulted in reduced life expectancy, high mortality rates, poor

literacy and formal education enrollment rates, economic decline and instability, particularly in

the eastern region of the country. It has further deepened the DRC’s overdependence on natural

resources, and has left the country in a conflict trap. The study suggested that the government

must review the peace processes and formulate a blueprint that addresses electoral reforms,

better standards of living, equitable and sustainable development, improvement of national

security and territorial integrity. This blueprint must give priority to the promotion of national

healing and reconciliation, and provide alternatives to violence.