Criminals Reap Rich Rewards in Eastern Congo
Organized Crime Thrives in Democratic Republic of Congo
A report by the United Nations has revealed that organized crime is flourishing in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with armed groups profiting from illegal activities such as mining and smuggling. The report estimates that transnational criminal activity in the region generates around $200 million in gross revenues annually, with half of this profit going to armed groups.
Armed Groups Fund Military Campaigns through Illegal Activities
The UN’s Group of Experts on the DRC has documented how rebel groups are using profits from illegal activities to fund their military campaigns, often at the expense of innocent civilians. The report highlights the case of Mai Mai Sheka, a group led by a former miner who created a “criminal network” within the national military to exploit mining opportunities.
Criminal Activity Proliferates in the Region
The report also notes that some armed groups have formed unlikely alliances with other rebel factions in order to dominate resource-rich areas and loot the local population. This has led to a proliferation of criminal activity, including:
- Illegal taxation
- Road blocks
- Coerced labor
UN Calls for Immediate Action to Combat Organized Crime
The UN is calling for an immediate operational response to combat organized crime in the region, including the development of a supply chain policing project aimed at undermining the financing of armed groups. The project would involve securing transportation corridors and clearing them of illegal activities.
Institution Building and Rule of Law are Key
The report emphasizes the need for institution building and the rule of law in the DRC, highlighting the importance of a functioning criminal justice system to punish those responsible for crimes and regulate commerce in the region.
Long-Term Solution Requires Significant Investment and Effort
However, experts warn that rebuilding the Congolese criminal justice system is a long-term process that requires significant investment and effort. The international community has failed the region before, and there are concerns about the effectiveness of current peacekeeping efforts.
Addressing Root Causes of Conflict is Key to Solution
The report concludes that the solution to the crisis in eastern DRC lies not only in military intervention but also in addressing the root causes of the conflict, including corruption and a lack of accountability. The Congolese government must take responsibility for managing its territory and upholding the rule of law, with international support playing a key role in this process.