Beginning with Belgium's cruel colonial rule and continuing through the influenceof international businesses and a worldwide desire for its wealth of resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a long history of exploitation. sexual violence, poverty, and one of the worst rates of child mortality in the world are all results of this ongoing abuse from a humanitarian catastrophe that killed an estimated six million Congolese during the 1990s. These prolonged issues can be better understood by taking a deeper look at the DRC's past and current structural factors.

The Berlin Conference marks the beginning of the DRC's dismal history of exploitation; European powers divided Africa to extract resources such as cobalt and uranium. The Congo became the personal property of King Leopold II of Belgium, a decision that had disastrous effects on the indigenous populace. Using cruel forced labor practices that resulted in the deaths of almost 10 million Congolese, he harvested rubber and ivory for twenty-three years to support Europe's expanding automobile and electric industries. Leopold finally released the Belgian state authority over the Congo in 1908 due to pressure from other countries. However, until the country's independence in 1960, the colonial regime kept putting its interests ahead of the welfare and well-being of its citizens.

Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba envisioned an autonomous Congo free from foreign influence. Under his direction,  the DRC gained independence in 1960. Western countries, particularly the United States, quickly opposed his ideas because they were afraid of his association with socialist and anti-colonial organizations. Less than a year after taking office, Lumumba was deposed and killed, which signaled the beginning of continuous foreign meddling in the domestic political system.

The United States backed General Mobutu Sese Seko, a Congolese military officer who rose to power after the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mobutu, who initially supported Lumumba as part of his inner circle, betrayed him by orchestrating a coup with the backing of the U.S. and Belgium. This betrayal ultimately led to Lumumba’s capture, torture, and execution at the hands of his political rivals, with Western powers complicit in the plot to eliminate him.

After Lumumba’s death, Mobutu consolidated power and ruled the nation with an iron grip from 1965 to 1997. While Mobutu and his foreign allies prospered, the Congolese people lived in poverty. His regime facilitated the substantial extraction of Congo’s enormous mineral wealth by Western firms, effectively cementing foreign economic dominance over the nation’s resources. Western interests in Congolese resources became deeply entwined with Mobutu’s political system, which had devastating effects on the average Congolese citizen. Mobutu’s rule became a symbol of kleptocracy and neocolonial exploitation, leaving the country impoverished and politically unstable even after his regime’s collapse.

With the support of the United States and Britain, neighbors Rwanda and Uganda were responsible for starting the two main conflicts that engulfed Congo between 1996 and 2003 in the post-Mobutu era. These invasions signaled the start of what is known as the African World War, in which surrounding nations' conflicts spread into the Congo frequently to seize the country's mineral wealth. Community instability, pervasive sexual assault, and mass relocation have all resulted from this ongoing war, particularly in the eastern regions.

Five main structural factors worsen the DRC's humanitarian situation. Companies such as Glencore and imperialist countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France continue to have significant stakes in Congo's resources, especially copper, cobalt, and coltan. The Congo is essential for multinational firms because these resources are vital to the technology and green energy sectors. Despite its abundant resources, the nation is still among the poorest in the world; revenues go into the pockets of foreign corporations rather than those living there.  The DRC's reliance on external debt has been sustained by organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), frequently in return for policies that put international investment ahead of sustainable local development. External debt refers to the money a country borrows from foreign lenders, which can include other governments, international financial institutions, or private creditors. These loans often come with conditions, such as reducing public spending, privatizing industries, or removing trade barriers, that prioritize attracting foreign investment and paying off debts rather than focusing on long-term, locally-driven economic development. In the case of the DRC, such debt has often perpetuated a cycle of dependence and hindered efforts to build a more self-sufficient and equitable economy. 

The violence in Congo is still heavily influenced by its neighbors, especially Rwanda and Uganda. Both countries are commonly charged with aiding rebel organizations in the mineral-rich eastern area to seize profitable mines. The money taken frequently supports military objectives, exacerbating regional instability and violence. Profiting from foreign investment, a tiny minority of Congolese elites have often put foreign money ahead of their people. This group makes money by permitting international firms to take advantage of resources, which feeds the cycle of inequality and keeps most Congolese people in poverty. Because of the power and influence these elites possess, the demands of local populations are increasingly subordinated to the interests of international investors and companies.

The Congo is a vital supplier of crucial minerals because of the increased demand for resources like cobalt and coltan, which are needed for batteries in gadgets, mobile phones, and electric cars. Although these resources are crucial to the global shift to green energy, Congolese miners face subpar working conditions, inadequate pay, and human rights violations. Miners, whether industrial or artisanal, face abuse, hazardous conditions, and disregard for their health.

These structural forces have disastrous results. Since 1996, an estimated six million individuals have died as a result of violence or conflict-related causes, with children under five accounting for half of these deaths. This protracted battle has resulted in systemic sexual assault against hundreds of thousands of women. While the Congo's enormous riches continue to support businesses across the world, 70% of its people live in abject poverty, making less than $2 per day.

There are other resources at risk besides Congo's enormous mineral riches. As it absorbs massive volumes of carbon dioxide, the second-largest rainforest in the world, the Congo Basin, is essential to the battle against climate change. However, deforestation associated with mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development is causing the region's forests to disappear at alarming rates. In addition to the stability of the global climate, the livelihoods of local populations who depend on this forest for survival are also at risk.

More than just humanitarian assistance is needed to address Congo's circumstances; structural adjustments that uphold the rights and sovereignty of the Congolese people are also necessary. Economic decolonization, sustainable resource management, and accountability of foreign companies taking advantage of Congo’s resources must be the main goals of international initiatives to aid in its development. The international community must put Congolese well-being ahead of resource abuse to create a truly just future. It must support policies that allow the Congolese people to reclaim control of their resources and establish locally oriented companies that directly benefit them. The international world must promote change since it has benefited from the Congo for so long.

At the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC), students have actively taken charge to educate their campuses about the ongoing crisis in the Congo. Senior International Studies major at Spelman College Jocelyn McCullough reflects on her advocacy efforts after meeting Mama Akosa, the woman who educated her on the injustices going on in the Congo, at a Morehouse College event. Jocelyn has since organized events like "Sisters of the Congo," an event designed to give Spelman students an overview of the situation in the Congo, particularly the experiences of women in the conflict. She states: 

"Ever since I attended that event, I learned about the current political situation and met people who had been working on this issue for a while. The Congo is the backbone of our technology—our phones, and even the green energy initiatives the UN is pursuing—all built on the backs of the Congolese people.”

McCullough emphasizes the interconnectedness of global justice movements and discusses the importance of advocating for Indigenous land reclamation. She asserts:

“Ultimately, the Congo’s liberation is tied to global justice movements. The Congo’s issues are deeply connected to everything. The world won’t function equitably until Indigenous people everywhere can reclaim their land and resources. Every movement you can think of has ties to the Congo—it’s a place where millions have been killed and exploited. The foundation of this struggle is in its women. If Congolese women and children could live in safety, it would have a ripple effect on justice worldwide. People deserve the right to exist in peace, or at the very least, without the constant threat of genocide. It’s critical that we push for the recognition of what’s happening in the Congo as a genocide. Ending genocide anywhere fuels hope for liberation everywhere.”

Senior Africana Studies major at Morehouse College Noah Collier also shares his journey into Congo advocacy. He states:

“I’ve been organizing around local issues like education and police violence, but these struggles all have global relevance. Last year, we saw a student-led national movement focused on the Palestinian genocide, which brought attention to the U.S.’s role in funding and arming oppressive regimes. This raised broader concerns about Ethiopia, Sudan, the Congo, and other African nations suffering from external exploitation.”

Collier credits his Africana Studies advisor, Dr. Samory Livingston, for helping him deepen his involvement.

"Since meeting Dr. Livingston, I’ve worked to connect other students with Friends of the Congo and raise awareness about the violence, displacement, and famine in the Congo," Collier shares.

Spelman sophomore Women Studies major Gabrielle Cassell, organized an AUC-wide Congo Week intended to raise awareness about the genocide facing the Congolese people through educational and discussion-based programming. Cassell organized events featuring talks, panels, film screenings, and community outreach. She says:

“In terms of response, it [Congo Week] was generally positive. The participation at the events wasn’t as much as I would have ideally liked, but I understand that when introducing new issues, it takes time for people to engage. I’m especially grateful for the significant faculty support I’ve received, which has made this an overall positive experience. I truly hope to see more students in the AUC, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs,) and Black students in general care about what’s happening in the Congo. As people of African descent, we are deeply connected to one another, and I hope more people will join me in this work. I understand the complexity of this issue, but I continue pushing for action. We cannot ignore the injustices of the Congo any longer.”

Clark Atlanta University senior Psychology major Kezia’h Brown reflects on the struggles faced by African Americans and their connection to global issues, stating:

“These issues mimic our own because we, as African Americans, are exploited for our time—the most valuable resource. We have our news stories tampered with and given to the public in the most negative way possible. This fosters a sense of depression and anxiety amongst society.”

Brown also emphasizes the importance of community engagement when fighting against these biased, demoralizing realities:

“Get to know those in your community who are 'on the ground' or actively working with social justice advocates. Be transparent about your fears, as most are rooted in myths and negative propaganda. Finally, honor your weaknesses enough to learn and celebrate your strengths by making yourself available in whatever capacity looks best for you!”

These AUC students have been integral in spreading awareness, educating their peers, and advocating for action on the Congo issue. They represent the growing movement to not only recognize the Congo's struggle but to also support its people in their pursuit of justice and liberation.