What freedom can Africa claim when the Congo exists in shackles?

THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffers ongoing violence while the international community remains silent. The nation faces destruction from foreign exploitation and invasions, but African countries show little response.

- VICTOIRE FIKIRI GAKURU

South Africa stands as Africa's economic leader and celebrates democratic successes yet full African freedom will never be achieved if the DRC stays oppressed.

Living as a Congolese refugee exposed me to the ugliness of forced displacement alongside the violence of war." My country continues to face family separation, village destruction and external wealth exploitation which represents a current reality beyond historical events.

South Africa must fulfil both ethical and strategic responsibilities through action. The crisis in Congo extends beyond national borders to become a continental African emergency.

Africa will continue to experience compromised stability and economic independence as well as lost dignity if no action is taken.

The ongoing instability in Congo triggers large-scale displacement, widespread human rights violations and violent conflict which extends beyond its borders and creates instability in adjacent nations. Regional security stands under threat from both illegal arms trafficking and refugee emergencies. Foreign interests battle for control in the DRC causing South Africa to experience the resulting ripple effects.

South Africa's economic prospects depend heavily on the future developments in Congo The Democratic Republic| of Congo holds $24 trillion in untapped minerals with coltan, cobalt, and gold among the vast resources.