Is the DRC Ready to Imagine “The Day After?”
Benedicte Yenyi, September, 03, 2024
My mother often recounted memories of when she was pregnant with me. She shared stories of how she fled from gunshots during the staged coup by President Mzee Laurent-Désiré Kabila to overthrow President Mobutu’s 36-year regime in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The coup displaced and killed thousands – mostly refugees and noncombatants. I vividly remember how every school year, from elementary through middle school, I received notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies marked with the UNICEF logo. Even though I didn’t realize that this was a form of aid, these were my favorite notebooks, which I reserved for my favorite classes or used as my private diary—”Cahier de plaisir,” as we called it in French.
I quickly learned that UNICEF was fulfilling a role that my government could not. A couple of questions that kept popping into my head were: Why was my country never at peace? Why couldn’t my government fulfill its duty towards its people?
Living through a generational conflict fueled my desire to understand and advocate for peace and security. This led to my initial obsession with becoming a journalist. I saw journalism as a way to expose corruption and hold authorities accountable for the conditions that left me, and many others, dependent on international aid. However, I grew to understand that those who can speak freely have a responsibility to leverage that privilege to influence policies and create tangible changes. We often overlook the power of individuals, especially those in the diaspora, to change the course of issues.
The DRC has faced relentless turmoil, beginning with the influx of millions of refugees from the Rwandan Genocide. This instability has been further exacerbated by ongoing M23 rebel activities in the eastern part of the country, backed by Rwanda and Uganda, and the recent rise of the Mobondo militia. The question of peace and development—whether it’s through the international community, the Eastern African Community (EAC), the U.S. alone, or the Congolese government—remains complex. The answer likely involves all these actors working together and, most importantly, including local civil society, which is what we strive to do at Peace Direct.
Since 1999, the U.N. has documented over 19 agreements and related materials to address the conflict and restore peace in the region. Only a few considered local expertise. In circumstances where local peacebuilders were consulted, the actual implementation often faces significant challenges. As a result, there is a resurgence in the conflict and the multiplication of armed groups across the region. Since August 4th, 2024, a ceasefire agreement has been in place between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. However, the feasibility of this deal raises several concerns, including: 1. The agreement was signed between Rwanda and the DRC, despite Rwanda never officially acknowledging its ongoing support for the M23 rebel group. 2. The M23 group was notably absent from the negotiations. 3. Civil society organizations were excluded from the process. These factors leave many questions about the durability and effectiveness of the ceasefire.
I was drawn to completing my Scoville Fellowship at Peace Direct because the organization values the expertise and leadership of local peacebuilders and peacebuilding organizations. They partner with local peacebuilders and other allies like donors, policymakers, and activists to shift power and resources to be centered with the communities we intend to serve, and to end conflicts for sustainable peace.
Even though the conflict in the DRC has been going on for a few generations, I do not believe the region or the conflict has been adequately covered by previous Scoville Fellows. Serving my Fellowship with Peace Direct offered me an opportunity to have an impact on the region, which links to my belief that I must leverage my privilege to influence policy and create tangible change. At Peace Direct, I have been able to support advocacy efforts by organizing roundtable discussions where local peacebuilding leaders can engage directly with stakeholders from the Global North. Together with Peace Direct’s partners in the DRC, we have been drafting advocacy strategies to achieve sustainable peace and development goals set by our partners.
Many local peacebuilding organizations in the DRC have developed strategies and programs to address the root causes of violence but are often overlooked or ignored by international donors for necessary resources to carry out these initiatives. Many international actors often propose solutions that are not tailored to the specific needs of local communities and lack their support. In contrast, local organizations, embedded within these communities, can identify potential conflicts early and take steps to prevent them from escalating. It is essential to empower local peacebuilders with the necessary resources rather than relying solely on international agreements that frequently disregard local knowledge. This support could include funding, training, equipment, technology, and infrastructure. Initiatives can include a partnership where international stakeholders and local experts work together to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice to deter future acts of violence. In addition, to also raise public awareness of the role of violence in slowing the development of their communities.
Throughout my Fellowship, I am reminded daily of how a five-minute conversation can lead to future collaborations. I have discovered the different ways many organizations are working in the DRC, supporting ongoing efforts or planning future initiatives, which I can also support. I have encountered brave people that I can emulate—those who can relate to my childhood experiences or not. I also continue to learn from and draw inspiration from the diaspora of many other countries advocating for their respective causes.
As a Congolese diaspora reflecting on my journey, it becomes clear that the pursuit of peace and security is not just a professional endeavor—it’s deeply personal. My childhood, shaped by conflict and the enduring presence of international aid, fueled a lifelong commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions in the DRC. Through my work at Peace Direct during my Scoville Fellowship, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to efforts that center the voices of those most affected by conflict—local communities and peacebuilders who possess the nuanced understanding necessary for lasting change.
Yet, my work is just a piece of a much larger puzzle. The complex, protracted conflicts in the DRC demand a collaborative approach that involves not only international actors but also prioritizes the expertise and leadership of local civil society. True peace will only be realized when the people living through these conflicts are not just participants in peacebuilding processes but are leading them.
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging. However, I am encouraged by the resilience of local communities and the potential for meaningful partnerships that can shift the dynamics of power and resource distribution in favor of those who know their context best. As I continue this journey, I carry with me the belief that every conversation, every collaboration, and every effort to amplify local voices brings us one step closer to the peace and security that the people of the DRC—and indeed all conflict-affected regions—deserve.
In the end, it is not just about understanding the roots of conflict, but about committing to the ongoing work of uprooting them. This is the mission I have chosen to dedicate myself to, inspired by my past, engaged in the present, and hopeful for a future where peace is more than a distant dream. A fight for the future generations so they will not become dependent on aid, as I once was.
Benedicte Yenyi is a Spring 2024 Scoville Fellow with Peace direct.