Nairobi, Kenya – 10th February 2025
Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi Ltd. expresses deep concern over the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its devastating impact on civilians. While we acknowledge the recent ceasefire, we wish to add our voice to the statement released by civil society organizations (CSOs) in East and Southern Africa, calling for the protection of DRC’s sovereignty and the de-escalation of regional tensions. We emphasise that only a lasting and just peace can bring real relief to affected communities and ensure that life-saving aid reaches those in desperate need.
For decades, the people of eastern DRC have endured relentless violence fueled by the global demand for the region’s vast mineral wealth. This crisis, one of the longest and deadliest in modern history, represents a systematic and calculated genocide that the world has chosen to ignore. Its roots trace back to the brutal era of King Leopold II, when Congo was treated as his personal property, and have since persisted through colonial exploitation, ethnic tensions, foreign interference, direct expansionism and exploitation by neighbouring countries, armed militias, and unregulated competition over natural resources. The DRC has become the playfield for regional and international criminals, rogue agencies and governments. The treatment of the suffering and death of the people of the DRC as collateral damage must be stopped at all cost.
Despite peace agreements, armed groups—including M23, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and various local militias—continue to exploit instability, terrorizing civilians and perpetuating cycles of violence. The toll on DRC population is staggering: millions displaced, critical infrastructure destroyed, and access to necessities such as healthcare, food, and clean water severely compromised.
Recent reports from our partners in the DRC highlight gruesome atrocities, including mass rape and the burning alive of several women following the jailbreak at Munzenze Prison on 27th January 2025. We strongly condemn these crimes and demand immediate, independent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Call to Action
We urge the UN Security Council to exert maximum pressure on all state and non-state actors involved in the conflict, as outlined in the 2024 Midterm Report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UN Security Council. A return to meaningful negotiations is essential—but only if the international community demands immediate and sustained action to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access and address the root causes of the crisis.
Key Priorities
Legal Action Against Perpetrators of Conflict
- The DRC government must take decisive legal action against those fueling violence, including state and non-state actors supporting armed groups.
- International and regional courts must prosecute violations of international humanitarian law, human rights abuses, and illicit resource exploitation.
- An international tribunal must be convened to:
- Recognize the ongoing killings of civilians in DRC as the longest genocide in history and provide mechanisms for reparations for the people of DRC.
- End the systematic looting of DRC’s natural resources, which continues to fund armed conflicts.
- Uphold DRC’s sovereignty and prevent illegal resource exploitation.
- Hold accountable all individuals, corporations, and foreign entities benefiting from stolen minerals.
Strengthened Regional and International Diplomatic Efforts
- The African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) must lead peace negotiations that address both the political and economic drivers of the conflict.
- The United Nations must impose stricter sanctions on individuals, corporations, and governments financing armed groups.
- A high-level peace and security summit must be convened to establish a binding roadmap for lasting peace in eastern DRC. This process must be shielded from the influence of states and political leaders with vested interests in the conflict.
Increased Humanitarian Assistance and Civilian Protection
- Immediate deployment of humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and shelter, to assist displaced populations.
- Strengthened protection mechanisms for women and children, who are disproportionately affected by the conflict.
- Enhanced peacekeeping efforts to establish safe zones for displaced civilians.
Economic Justice and Resource Governance Reform
- The DRC government must implement transparent governance reforms in the extractive sector to curb illicit mineral trade.
- Stronger legal frameworks and independent monitoring mechanisms must be established to ensure accountability in resource management.
- Greater investment in sustainable, community-driven economic initiatives to reduce reliance on war economies and empower local populations.
The people of eastern DRC cannot continue to be ignored. They deserve security, justice, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. We call on governments, regional bodies, and international organizations to act decisively and without delay.
The suffering of millions must no longer be met with silence or inaction—the time for urgent intervention is now.
Dr. Kawive, Wambua
Ag. Chief Executive Officer
Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi Ltd.