The Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) is a country in Central Africa with a population of approximately 60 million. Violent conflicts have killed many Congolese.

There are numerous and complex reasons for the violent conflicts, which include fighting over basic resources such as water, rich minerals, and more. In addition, the fighting parties each have political agendas that they want to further.

We believe that the flames of these conflicts are fueled and supported by international corporations and powerful nations that have an economic interest in the wars' outcome.

Below is a summary of the consequences of war in the DRC:

• An estimated 6 million people have died since the outbreak of the Second Congo War in 1998
  
• The Second Congo War is the world's deadliest conflict since World War II
  
• Many Congolese die from malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, which are all typically preventable under normal circumstances (in the absence of war).
  
• Violence has decreased (not stopped), so many of those who fled have returned home. However, there are still some 1.5 million internally displaced people.
  
• Approximately 45,000 people continue to die each month. Many women and children are being gang-raped each week. These shocking figures would surely garner media attention if these deaths were occurring in First World or developed nations. Developed nations, however, should pay attention since these nations greatly benefit from the DRC's vast and rich resources.

OkoNGO is seeking your help to assist these raped women, fatherless children all in the Democratic Republic of Congo and DRC refugees. Many of these refugees are immigrating to the United States and face difficulties adjusting. Please review our projects in the US, the center of Kitumaini in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and see how you can help. We are about People Helping People.

The video below was made by Kate Pritchard.

Click here to see the effect of wars

2010
Webmaster: Wemba-koy Okonda