It is hard to imagine a greater tragedy than that which has befallen the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of the wealthiest countries in the world — in terms of natural resources — it has been governed by rapacious rulers and torn by conflict for most of its existence. Remarkably, the situation there only goes from bad to worse. In recent weeks, fighting has forced an estimated 1 million people from the homes, exposed the U.N.-supported peacekeeping force as ineffectual and could even lead to war between Congo and its neighbor, Rwanda. This situation must end; there is little reason to hope that it will.
Congo, then known as Zaire, suffered under the kleptocracy of President Mobutu Sese Seko for its first 35 years. After he was forced from office, the country endured civil war that ended with a ceasefire that has brought peace to much of Congo since it was agreed to in 2003. It is reckoned that some 3-4 million people died during the five years of conflict that forced Mobutu from office and continued through 2003.
While there was peace in much of the country, lawlessness continued in the east. Eight other governments supported rebel groups to increase their influence in Congo as well as to claim a stake in its abundant mineral riches and natural resources. Some human rights groups estimate that as many as 45,000 Congolese die each month as a direct result of the fighting or its consequences.