The conflict in DRC isn't Hutus and Tutsis killing each other. I'm sure there are Hutus and Tutsis in eastern DRC, but they are small minorities.
As with many (if not all) conflicts, it's about power. Groups want control over the country, the government, the resources, etc. So they fight. These groups are often divided on ethnical lines, but not always, war makes for some strange bedfellows. DRC is the richest country in Africa, if not the world, in terms of natural resources. The conflict isn't caused by Western businesses trying to tap into the resources, but it is fueled by them. That's how these armies get money.
I believe the figure is around 6 million people have died because of the war and many more have been displaced. In my book, when that many people die and lose their homes (not to mention all the rapes that have taken place in DRC), maybe it deserves some attention. DRC is an especially complicated conflict, with roots going back to the Belgian colonial system. It didn't start overnight and it will take some serious international action to put it to rest. But because it's so complicated, it's hard to figure out where to start defusing the situation. Throw in groups that want vengeance, and you get a very long, drawn out conflict.
As with many (if not all) conflicts, it's about power. Groups want control over the country, the government, the resources, etc. So they fight. These groups are often divided on ethnical lines, but not always, war makes for some strange bedfellows. DRC is the richest country in Africa, if not the world, in terms of natural resources. The conflict isn't caused by Western businesses trying to tap into the resources, but it is fueled by them. That's how these armies get money.
I believe the figure is around 6 million people have died because of the war and many more have been displaced. In my book, when that many people die and lose their homes (not to mention all the rapes that have taken place in DRC), maybe it deserves some attention. DRC is an especially complicated conflict, with roots going back to the Belgian colonial system. It didn't start overnight and it will take some serious international action to put it to rest. But because it's so complicated, it's hard to figure out where to start defusing the situation. Throw in groups that want vengeance, and you get a very long, drawn out conflict.
