Congo: Conflict without end? – an open discussion

In what is likely to be a lively discussion, the panel will explore the role of the Rwandan genocide on the current conflict, how exploitation of natural resources is preventing a resolution, and the humanitarian crisis facing hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The discussion will be chaired by former Zambian Ambassador to the United Nations Professor Mwelwa Musambachime, now at the University of Zambia and visiting fellow at the Cambridge Centre for African Studies.

Joining Professor Musambachine to debate the issues will be Ola Bello, Dr Devon Curtis, Nadine Lusi and Andrew Swindells.

Ola Bello is a research student at the Centre for International Studies, focusing on state backed mining and conflict in Congo. Dr Curtis is a lecturer at the Department of Politics whose research interests include contemporary politics in the great Lakes region of Africa.

Nadine Lusi is an Advocacy Officer for Christian Blind Mission UK who currently work in Congo. Andrew Swindells is a journalist and author of a book on the Rwandan genocide.

Ian Steed, Manager of the Humanitarian Centre, said: “The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has complex origins. The Humanitarian Centre is hosting this event in order to increase general knowledge of the causes of the conflict, as well as to bring together people from across the Cambridge community with interest in Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa.”

Aid agencies have warned of a potential humanitarian crisis following the outbreak of fighting around the eastern city of Goma in August. Since then clashes between the rebel forces of General Nkunda and government forces have driven around 250,000 civilians from their homes.

These 250,000 join an estimated 1 million who have been displaced by previous conflicts in the region. Attempting to secure an end to the war, 17,000 UN peacekeepers – the body’s largest mission – have been posted to the region.

The Humanitarian Centre is an innovative hub for Cambridge relief and development initiatives. It works to support Cambridge community members, students, academics, non-governmental organisations and companies to be more than the sum of their parts in providing effective international relief and development.

All are welcome to attend and participate at the discussion to be held at the Queen’s Building Emmanuel College, whatever level of expertise. For more information email ian.steed@humanitariancentre.org

Photograph attribution: UN Photo/Marie Frechon