Al Jazeera

Why the World Just Can’t Seem to Help Eastern DRC: A Comedy of Errors?

Discover the ongoing struggle in Eastern DRC where peacekeeping forces could use a little guidance from cartoon characters!

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been a hotbed of violence, mismanagement, and missed opportunities for peace for decades. Various military forces are present, including the Congolese army, Ugandan soldiers, and United Nations peacekeeping troops, yet they stand by as massacres unfold around them. Why do they remain spectators at the spectacle of human suffering? Some argue a lack of coordination, while others suggest a more sinister negligence that has turned this region into a battleground with no end in sight.

Historically, the DRC's eastern region has been plagued with conflicts fueled by everything from ethnic tensions to the monstrous appetite of minerals that attract greed and corruption. Each time a massacre hits the headlines, there are promises of action and intervention. However, when the dust settles, it seems we are left with the same grim reality. It’s almost as if these military forces have taken a page out of a bad sitcom where they’re too busy debating who gets to hold the TV remote to actually get up and save the day.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, another story unfolds with the legacy of Ziad Abu Helaiel, a man renowned for his peaceful resistance against the Israeli occupation. Known for his unarmed protests and community dispute resolution, his recent killing has created ripples of sadness and calls for change. His approach to conflict resolution reminds us that peace doesn’t always require a violent confrontation. Instead, it might just need a good chat over chai, and a willingness to listen.

While Abu Helaiel's legacy reveals the power of peaceful resistance, the lack of action in the DRC poses a stark contrast. One man’s dream of dialogue in the face of oppression juxtaposes against the world’s inability to intervene decisively in Eastern DRC. It could appear that the world's attention span is shorter than a TikTok video, hopping from one crisis to another without finding solutions. Yet, just as a plot twist can turn a mediocre sitcom into a hit, there's always hope that cooperative global efforts could unite and write a new ending for Eastern DRC.

Interestingly, both situations highlight a common thread in the fabric of modern conflict: a disconnect between the leaders who promise action and the people who suffer. Furthermore, in terms of global peacekeeping, a 2021 report remarked that nearly 60% of UN peacekeeping missions have faced challenging environments similar to those in DRC, emphasizing the urgent need for renaissance in tactics and strategy. Thus, the call for peace remains strong, regardless of the comedic nature of international responses.