THE DRC'S BLIND EYE: A Nation Blind to Its Own Weaknesses

The lack of comprehensive planning and implementation of development projects, which could improve the overall wellbeing and lifestyle of the Congolese people, is another glaring issue.

Intentionally or ignorantly, many Congolese people have turned a blind eye to the weaknesses of their government in addressing the pressing issues their country faces. These weaknesses are evident not only in the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels but also in the failure to stabilize the country by eliminating over 200 armed groups. As someone with a deep desire to travel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has always been on my list.

However, security issues have consistently thwarted my plans. In 2024, I traveled to Brazzaville, but due to the tense relations between Rwanda and the DRC, I couldn’t cross the Congo River to visit Kinshasa. As a Rwandan, I was warned that without the protection of powerful Congolese figures or organizations like the UN, I would be at significant risk.

In 2015, I attempted to explore North Kivu but was detained after traveling no more than 20 kilometers from the Goma border. My 2017 trip to South Kivu allowed me to visit Bukavu, but fears of security instability kept me from venturing beyond the city.

In stark contrast, I’ve had wonderful experiences exploring neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi. I’ve visited their cities, historical sites, tourist destinations, villages, and shared meals with locals, learning about their cultures. These travels made me realize that insecurity in the DRC has become somewhat of a cultural norm, one that has been deeply ingrained in the country's reality.

It is often said that Africa is both the richest and the poorest continent. Rich in natural resources, it is a great source of raw materials for nearly everything used globally. Yet, it remains the poorest continent in reality, constantly exploited by the rest of the world, only to beg for aid and loans in return. The DRC stands as a glaring example of this paradox. Despite its vast natural wealth, it remains one of the poorest countries, where basic wellbeing remains a distant dream for the majority.

Instead of holding their government accountable, many Congolese people have aligned themselves with their leaders, who often point fingers at Rwanda as the root cause of their slow development. Rather than thinking outside the box and coming up with long-term development plans that could benefit the population, many are more focused on condemning Rwanda’s partnerships with international organizations. They campaign for Rwanda’s international partners to stop their cooperation, accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels.

This misplaced focus contrasts sharply with the efforts Rwanda has made over the past 30 years. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda embarked on an extraordinary journey of recovery. From healing broken generations to fostering unity, rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, and creating strong institutions, Rwanda has undergone a transformation that many admire.

Today, Rwanda stands as a symbol of stability, with a favorable business climate, a thriving tourism industry, and a reputation for safety and security in the region. These achievements have made Rwanda a source of envy for some, including Congolese leaders.

Rather than focusing on the development of their own country, these leaders, using the country’s resources, have spent considerable energy campaigning against Rwanda’s progress. They lobby international partners, including countries like Belgium and Germany, to sever their agreements with Rwanda, often due to their interests in DRC’s abundant natural resources. Ironically, these are the same countries that colonized the Rwanda, divided Rwandans, and played a part in the tragic history of genocide that led to the loss of more than one million lives.

If I were Congolese, I would be asking my leaders: "What is your plan for my country and our people?" In line with Che Guevara’s words, the DRC is indeed a "prize for imperialism," constantly embroiled in instability that benefits outside powers. These powers, much like the ones that have historically colonized Africa, prefer to see the region divided and unstable so they can continue to exploit its wealth. As Guevara observed, the DRC has yet to organize itself as a nation. The lack of unity and coordination within the country has allowed both internal conflicts and external exploitation to persist.

Regardless of the accusations, even if Rwanda would be involved in the DRC conflict or supporting the M23, Congolese leaders should be ashamed of their failure to protect their own country. The people of the DRC should hold their government accountable, not just for blaming external forces, but for failing to address the root causes of the M23 rebellion and the country’s broader instability.

As long as the DRC and Africa at large remain divided and reliant on external forces, true development, resilience, and independence will remain an unattainable dream for the few who dare to dream, while the majority continue to live in darkness and ignorance. The time for change has come, but it will require a shift in mindset, with a focus on self-reliance, unity, and a determination to forge homegrown solutions to the continent’s problems.

As Guevara warned, the lack of organization within the DRC presents a barrier to the revolution that could lead to true progress. The need for unity, effective leadership, and clear, actionable goals has never been more urgent. Until then, the dream of a prosperous, stable, and developed DRC may remain just a dream.