The Congo is at a tipping point. Important progress has been achieved and the country has come a long way since the end of nation-wide conflict in 2002. However, with the 2011-2013 election period approaching, the Congo can either jump into the future or everything could unravel. The ECI, in recognizing both the progress made, as well as the challenges that lie ahead, commissioned the Strengthening United States Foreign Policy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo White Paper to go beyond the symptoms of instability—gender-based atrocities, child soldiers, widespread poverty and the illegal exploitation of natural resources—to address the root causes, the cycles of violence, which give rise to these tragic consequences. By focusing on these structural causes and re-prioritizing international assistance, this White Paper puts forth a roadmap for U.S. policy: nine specific recommendations centered on stabilization and security in the Congo, crucial as well to stabilization in the region. Taking in account a number of windows of opportunity that exist at the regional, national and international levels, these recommendations, if acted upon now, will have a maximizing effect in creating a stable environment conducive to Congo’s transition to peace, development and democracy.

More on This

United Nations Acts on DR Congo Atrocities

• VIDEO: An Urgent Call to Action on Eastern Congo by Actor Ben Affleck
• UN Imposes Sanctions on Colonel Over Atrocities
• UN Launches Patrols to Head Off Rebel Violence During Holiday Season
• Security Council Renews Sanctions
• Clergy Call for Protection of Civilians
• U.S. Welcomes Extension of Sanctions
• ECI Releases First Major White Paper, Calling on Strengthened U.S. Leadership