Author: Ayesha Afgun

Since gaining independence in 1960, ethnic fragmentation, weak governance and the politicisation of its immense natural wealth have hindered the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) path toward prosperity. This insight explores why, despite decades of peacekeeping efforts and international support, instability endures in Africa’s most resource-rich nation—a paradox that may itself hold the answer. DRC’s persistent instability and conflict are best understood as a long-term structural problem. At the heart of this crisis is its mineral wealth—estimated at US$24 trillion, and includes cobalt, copper, coltan, gold, diamonds, and lithium—which attracts external actors who profit from disorder. Figure 1: Map of…