The conflict in Congo is the deadliest since World War II, according to Congolese activist Nils Kenoani. The recent escalation by the Rwandan-backed M23 group has resulted in the deaths of 7,000 individuals since January, as reported by Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. In recent weeks, the M23 has advanced into eastern DRC and seized control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu, leaving around 450,000 civilians without shelter, food or water, according to the United Nations – while 700,000 have been forced to flee their homes since January.
Kenoani, who was born in Bukavu, relates how the three-decade-long war has claimed the lives of members of his family and millions of other lives, yet the media continues to under-report the severity of the situation. He provides a poignant overview of the devastating conditions in Congo, highlighting how Western companies have intentionally fuelled the conflict to maintain their exploitation of the country’s vast mineral resources, which are estimated to be worth $24 trillion. By 2010, the war had already claimed around 6-million lives. Listen in and share your thoughts.
Credit: TRT World