A group of young Congolese have raised their voices from Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu, to denounce the responsibility of the great powers in the armed conflict that is bleeding the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a letter sent to Agenzia Fides, they accuse foreign countries of fuelling the wars through indirect support for the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 and the systematic plundering of mineral resources such as coltan and gold.
The young people point out that, under the pretext of humanitarian aid, these powers obtain economic benefits while allowing violence and exploitation. They call for an end to the attacks and the plundering of natural resources, and demand that minerals "stained with Congolese blood" should not be bought.
In addition to the denunciation, the message is also a call for peace, unity and hope. They invite Congolese youth not to be overcome by fear and not to sell their country. "Together we will know how to make the invaders return to their land", they conclude.
The communiqué adds to growing international demands for a ceasefire, respect for Congolese sovereignty and an end to decades of conflict that have left thousands displaced and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Source: fides.org 05/04/2025