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See also: The Congo - world's deadliest conflict The Congo - a letter you can use The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has finished its first presidential elections in 40 years. But their government and the international community face a tough challenge. The DRC’s warring groups see democracy as a threat to their power. To prevent it, they spur conflict in regions they control. It would be helpful to convince all groups to participate, even if they stand to lose. They might put down their arms if they understand that they can still have a meaningful role in government. Backing this up with additional peacekeeping forces would greatly increase chances of success. The DRC government must fully prepare the nation for ongoing peace and democracy. The developed nations and nonprofits can help with increased aid, peacekeeping and policing forces. Beyond elections So far, the UN has about 17,500 troops on the ground – far too few for a huge, war-torn nation of 63 million people. The DRC is about one quarter the size of the entire United States. Moreover, much of the land is currently ungovernable. More troops help move warring groups to make peace. Making it harder for violent groups to obtain weapons is also crucial. Arms enable these groups to continue fighting, and strengthen their ability to rape and pillage millions of innocent civilians. Foreign governments need to target arms sanctions and enforce them. To deal with the violence that has already taken place, the DRC must hold guilty parties accountable for illegal exploitation of the land, sexual abuse and other crimes. Displaced persons and refugees also need support in their return and reintegration in the DRC. Considering the scale of the suffering, the DRC needs much more humanitarian aid. Between 1999 and 2003 only $349 million was allotted. This year alone UN and aid workers have asked for $683 million. They received only $94 million. International media has not fully shown the severity of the conflict. Media can maintain pressure with ongoing reporting of the violence. Comprehensive coverage of the elections would allow the international community to track progress toward democracy. What you can do You can help! Take action by contacting the media and your representatives. Send a letter or make a petition containing suggestive actions we support. The Congo - a letter you can use On December 9, 2006, Bill S2125 to promote relief, security, and democracy in the DRC was sent to President Bush for his signature. You can track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-2125.
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become a democracy. Peacekeeping troops back up peace negotiators and
make it more difficult to re-start fighting.