International Crisis Group
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DR Congo | Central Africa
Detailed conflict history
CrisisWatch database
Recent reports and briefings
Conflict in Congo
Consulter ces rapports en français en cliquant ici

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the site of one of the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crises. Although the country emerged from what has been called “Africa’s first world war” in 2003 when the former warring belligerents came together to form a transitional government, credible mortality studies estimate that up to 1,200 people continue to die each day from conflict-related causes, mostly disease and malnutrition but ongoing violence as well. Rampant corruption and pervasive state weakness allows members of the national army and members of armed groups alike to perpetrate abuses against civilians.

With the help of the world’s largest and most expensive peacekeeping operation, MONUC, the country overcame major logistic and political challenges to hold its first free and fair elections in 40 years in July and October 2006. However, the country faces substantial challenges, including the creation or recreation of state institutions that are accountable to the Congolese people and the construction of a integrated and professional army that protects civilians rather than abuses them. Renewed violence in the east, as well as recent brutal government crackdowns in the west, have underscored the country’s continued fragility.

Crisis Group’s reporting on the DRC has focused on the steps needed to consolidate peace in the post-election period and halt continued insecurity in the east, examining the critical issues of army demobilisation and integration, police reform, economic governance and transitional justice. The Central Africa team will also work to highlight the root causes of current and potential instability, pressing for concerted international pressure and adoption of a clear, regional strategy to end the violence.

Our reports on the Democratic Republic of Congo are listed below, starting with the most recent. You can also search for relevant reports using the search box in the top right hand side of this page.

Consulter ces rapports en français en cliquant ici.

Articles, op-eds, speeches and media releases can be found under the media section.

Click here for a more detailed history of the country/conflict.

  Visit our DR Congo advocacy page

Click here for video images of the Congo. TV journalists can contact Kimberly Abbott in Washington DC at +1 202 785 1601 for more information or additional footage.


Recent reports & briefings


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