By Halima Imam
There is a war going on in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), yet most Nigerians, and most Africans know little about it. While global attention remains fixed on conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, an African nation, rich in minerals that power our phones, laptops, and cars, is being torn apart by war, foreign exploitation, and armed militias. Over seven million people have been displaced, but the silence from African governments, including Nigeria’s, is deafening.
For decades, the DRC has been trapped in a cycle of violence, its vast wealth a curse rather than a blessing. Now, the eastern provinces, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are the heart of a brutal war between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels. The United Nations and independent analysts accuse Rwanda of backing M23 to gain access to the DRC’s mineral wealth, particularly coltan, a key component in the electronics we use every day. Rwanda denies these allegations, but the evidence suggests otherwise.
However, M23 is just one piece of a much bigger crisis. Over 100 armed groups operate in the region, some backed by foreign interests, others fighting for control of resources, and many thriving in the chaos. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), linked to ISIS, has been carrying out massacres and bombings, adding a dangerous layer of terrorism to an already unstable situation. The Congolese army, weakened by corruption and mismanagement, struggles to restore order.
Many Nigerians might wonder: What does the war in the DRC have to do with us? The answer is: everything.
Security Threats – Nigeria is already battling terrorism. The spread of extremist groups like ISIS-backed ADF in Central Africa could easily spill over into West Africa, strengthening terrorist networks across the continent. We cannot afford to ignore a crisis that may soon knock on our own door.
Regional Instability – The DRC crisis fuels refugee movements and weakens trade across Africa. A weakened DRC means a weakened Africa, making it easier for foreign powers to exploit our continent. If Nigeria wants to maintain its leadership role, it must engage in stabilizing the region.
A History of Nigerian Peacekeeping – Nigerian troops have served in UN peacekeeping missions in the DRC, yet today, we have little national discussion on what more we can do. Nigeria has always been a leader in African diplomacy—why are we silent now then?
Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy and biggest economy, cannot continue to sit on the sidelines. Here’s what needs to happen:
Stronger Diplomatic Pressure – The Nigerian government must work through ECOWAS and the African Union to demand accountability for Rwanda’s alleged role in the conflict. Africa cannot wait for the West to intervene.
Military and Strategic Support – Nigeria has the expertise to help reform the Congolese military. With our experience in counterterrorism and peacekeeping, we can offer training and intelligence-sharing to help the DRC build a stronger national defense.
Crackdown on the Illicit Mineral Trade – Nigerian leaders must push for stricter regulations on minerals imported from conflict zones. If we truly believe in African unity, we must stop fueling wars by allowing these blood minerals to enter global markets unchecked.
Media and Public Awareness – Why do Nigerians protest for justice in Palestine and Ukraine but remain silent about a war that is destroying millions of lives on our own continent? It’s time to change that. Nigerian journalists, influencers, and activists must break the silence and push this issue into the mainstream.
The war in the DRC is one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II, yet it barely registers in global conversations. If Africans do not care about Africa’s problems, who will?
Nigeria has a choice: remain indifferent while others exploit Africa’s suffering, or take its rightful place as a champion for peace and stability on the continent. If we do nothing, history will judge us for our silence.
