THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (2010-2018)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution in Democratic Republic of Congo (2010-2018). Three specific objectives anchored the study. They were: to establish the genesis of the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo; to determine the role of the United Nations in mediating the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo; and to identify the challenges faced by UN in resolving the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo. The foundation of this study was the Conflict theory as proposed by Karl Marx in 1848. The focus of this theory is on factors causing and sustaining conflicts. Conflict theory is considered relevant in this study because it reflects the issues dealing with genesis of conflicts like the DRC conflict, the link between conflict and the resulting human suffering. The theory links the first objective; establish the genesis of the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo. The research methodology of the study is based on utilization of secondary data sourced from library sources, books, e-books, government publications, journals, newspapers and magazines. The data was systematically analyzed to identify the major findings from which the research has drawn the summary conclusions and recommendations. The major findings of the study are that the genesis of the conflict in DR Congo may be traced from the colonialism and the propagation of conflicts and crises by colonial masters. The study established that post-colonial legacy as a source of the conflict is notable since with decolonization of the late 1950’s and 1960s, a group of rather poorly governed African countries like DR Congo came into being. Subsequently, DRC became a victim to the superpower contest during the cold war which demarcated their territorial boundaries and consolidated their political systems along the lines of their imposing ideology. The findings are that the struggle for control over natural resources has exacerbated conflict in DR Congo. The study concluded that Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) acted as a trial phase of the United Nations peacekeeping in the 1960s in Africa. This is what has informed the second round of UN peace operations in 2000-2018 which has been comparable ambitious and innovative. The study concluded that refusal of developed countries to send troops for peacekeeping missions have been a source of concern for the success of the peacekeeping operation in DR Congo.