a first rough draft of 5000 thousand words based on the subject and making the argument that I am making on the attached document.How has the ongoing genocide in eastern Congo persisted despite international intervention, and what factors contribute to the persisted violence? What are the routes of the ongoing genocide ? Why is it happening again ? How can we stop it from repeating itself ? Jstore the concequences The Ongoing Genocide in Eastern Congo: A Case of Global Neglect Introduction The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured decades of conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, where ethnic tensions, foreign interventions, and resource driven violence have created one of the deadliest humanitarian crises in modern history. Despite evidence of mass killings, systematic sexual violence, and forced displacement, the international community continues to overlook the crisis. My capstone document will explore the ongoing genocide in eastern Congo, highlighting historical roots, patterns of dehumanization, state sponsored violence, and the failure of global intervention. History The crisis in eastern Congo is deeply rooted in the colonial and post-colonial history of Central Africa. The legacy of Belgian colonial rule exacerbated ethnic divisions, favoring certain groups over others, particularly in land and governance. After independence in 1960, the DRC suffered from dictatorship, foreign interference, and regional conflicts that set the stage for the current violence. The Rwandan Genocide of 1994 significantly impacted the DRC, as millions of Rwandan Hutu refugees, including (les genocidaires), fled into eastern Congo. The Rwandan and Ugandan governments later invaded the DRC, citing security threats from these groups. This led to the First (1996–1997) and Second (1998–2003) Congo Wars, which involved multiple African nations and armed factions. The wars formally ended, but the violence persisted, largely due to resource exploitation, weak governance, and continued foreign involvement. Dehumanization and Ethnic Targeting Like other genocides, the violence in eastern Congo is fueled by propaganda and the dehumanization of targeted groups. Ethnic communities such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Luba, and Nande have all faced systematic violence from various armed groups. The M23 rebellion, largely composed of Congolese Tutsi fighters, has been accused of mass killings and ethnic cleansing, with reports of targeted massacres against Hutu and other ethnic communities. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a predominantly Hutu militia with ties to Rwandan genocide perpetrators, has committed atrocities against Congolese Tutsis and other civilians. Mai-Mai militias, self-defense groups formed by local communities, have also been involved in ethnic violence, often targeting Rwandophone communities (Congolese Tutsis and Hutus) under the belief that they are foreign invaders. Hate speech, social media propaganda, and political rhetoric continue to incite violence, framing certain ethnic groups as threats to national stability. State Sponsored Violence and Foreign Interference The Congolese government and regional actors play a significant role in perpetuating the genocide. The Congolese army (FARDC) has been accused of collaborating with militias like the FDLR and Mai-Mai groups, often arming and training them to fight M23 rebels. On the other hand, Rwanda has been accused of backing M23, providing weapons and logistical support. This proxy war has resulted in horrific human rights violations: Massacres in towns such as Kishishe, where civilians, including women and children, have been executed. Systematic sexual violence, where rape is used as a weapon of war, leaving survivors with devastating physical and psychological trauma. Forced displacement, with millions of Congolese people living in dire conditions in refugee camps, both within and outside the country. The extraction of minerals like coltan, gold, and cobalt plays a key role in sustaining the violence. Rebel groups and government forces alike profit from illicit mining, often using forced labor and child soldiers to maintain control over resource-rich areas. International Response and Global Inaction Despite the scale of atrocities in eastern Congo, the international response has been weak. The United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) has been present for over two decades but has largely failed to protect civilians. Reports indicate that peacekeepers have been complicit in human rights abuses, including sexual exploitation. Western governments and multinational corporations also bear responsibility. The demand for Congolese minerals critical for the global tech industry has fueled armed conflicts, yet little has been done to regulate supply chains. Economic interests often override human rights concerns, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. Conclusion and Call to Action The ongoing genocide in eastern Congo is not an isolated crisis but a reflection of global neglect and systemic impunity. The following steps are necessary to end the violence: Accountability for war crimes: International courts must prosecute those responsible for mass killings and sexual violence. Stronger intervention from the African Union and United Nations: Peacekeeping forces must be reformed to focus on civilian protection rather than political appeasement. Regulation of conflict minerals: Tech companies and governments must ensure ethical sourcing of minerals, cutting financial ties with armed groups. Support for displaced populations: Humanitarian aid and resettlement programs must be expanded to assist the millions affected by the conflict. If the world remains silent, millions more lives will be lost. Eastern Congo's suffering must no longer be ignored. Case Study 1. The Kishishe Massacre (November 2022) In November 2022, M23 rebels were accused of carrying out a massacre in Kishishe, North Kivu, killing over 130 civilians, including women and children. The attack was reportedly a reprisal against those suspected of supporting rival armed groups. The international response was muted, with only limited condemnation and no significant intervention. This massacre exemplifies the cycle of ethnic targeting, impunity, and lack of accountability in the conflict. 2. Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War Armed groups, including the FDLR, Mai-Mai militias, and even elements within the Congolese army (FARDC), have used systematic rape to terrorize communities. Hospitals such as Panzi Hospital, founded by Nobel Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, treat thousands of rape survivors each year. The prevalence of sexual violence highlights the need for justice mechanisms and better protection for vulnerable populations. 3. Rwanda’s Alleged Support for M23 Rebels Multiple reports, including from the UN, indicate that Rwanda has provided weapons and logistical support to the M23 rebel group. Rwanda denies involvement, but the repeated resurgence of M23 suggests external backing. This case study reveals the geopolitical complexity of the conflict, with neighboring countries playing key roles in fueling violence. United Nations (UN) Reports UN Human Rights Office and MONUSCO frequently release reports on atrocities in eastern Congo, including massacres and human rights abuses. Example: "Democratic Republic of the Congo: Report of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO)" Human Rights Watch (HRW) HRW provides detailed investigations into war crimes, sexual violence, and the role of foreign governments in fueling the conflict. Example: "DR Congo: M23 Rebels Kill, Rape Civilians" (2023) Amnesty International Covers issues related to war crimes, corporate accountability, and humanitarian crises in Congo. Example: "Rwanda and Uganda Must Stop Supporting M23 Rebels" Crisis Group (International Crisis Group - ICG) Publishes in-depth analysis of the political and military dynamics in eastern Congo. Example: "A New Approach for Eastern Congo"