Policy & Advocacy
Backgrounder on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 2012
Backgrounder on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 2012
Conflict in Eastern DRC and the Church/USCCB Response
Since 1998, fighting in eastern DRC has caused an estimated 3–5 million deaths, mass displacement, and widespread sexual violence. Weak central authority, a corrupt army, and competing armed groups (notably the FDLR and LRA) perpetuate instability. Ethnic tensions over land and minerals, dating back to colonial-era migrations, fuel local militias, while UN forces focus on stabilization rather than civilian protection.
In 2011, the DRC held its second post-Mobutu presidential and legislative polls. Parliament removed the runoff requirement, and official results gave President Joseph Kabila 49 percent against Etienne Tshisekedi’s 32 percent. Widespread intimidation, arrests of opposition figures, and credible reports of fraud led most observers—and the U.S. Government—to question the legitimacy of the outcome.
Conflict Minerals Reform
The 2010 Congo Conflict Minerals law offers a pathway to cut militia financing by regulating the trade in tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is drafting rules requiring companies to trace and publicly report the origin of these minerals, enabling civil-society monitoring.
The Church represents 55 percent of the population and fills service gaps in health and education, especially in the East. Catholic Relief Services expands relief and development programs, and the Church deployed 30,000 election monitors in 2011. The national Bishops’ Conference publicly condemned electoral irregularities, calling for result corrections or a dialogue to avert a crisis.
USCCB Position and Advocacy
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops prioritizes ending conflict in the DRC and supported the Conflict Minerals Act. In October 2011, Congolese Church leaders met U.S. regulators to urge stringent SEC rules for mineral-supply transparency. The USCCB stands ready to bolster the Church’s pastoral and social outreach.
The USCCB urges the U.S. Government to:
- Work with the UN and other donors to secure transparent election results and a national dialogue.
- Sustain long-term development aid to eastern Congo and fully fund the UN peacekeeping mission for civilian protection and militia demobilization.
- Help build a professional, well-paid Congolese army that respects human rights.
- Ensure effective implementation of the Conflict Minerals law to disrupt illegal mineral trade.
- Support prevention of sexual violence and comprehensive care for survivors.
- Strengthen local governance, an independent judiciary, and civil-society participation to enhance democracy and accountability.