An investigation into the socio-economic challenges facing Democratic Republic of Congo in post war peacebuilding

Abstract

Democratic Republic of Congo is a vast country in Africa sharing borders with nine countries. Since its independence from Belgium in 1960 the country has never had peace and this has created many social and economic problems for the country and its neighbours.This study analyzed the socio-economic challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in post war peace building. This case study and qualitative methods were used. Data was extracted from a wide variety of existing sources including published books, journals and other research reports. The study focused on the socio-economic challenges and ways to address them. The review showed that DRC had been hit hard by the conflict The two recent conflicts (the First and Second Congo Wars), which began in 1996, have dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, have increased external debt, and have resulted in the deaths from war, famine, and disease of perhaps 3.8 million people. Foreign businesses have cu1iailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. The war has intensified the impact of such basic problems as there is an uncertain legal framework, corruption, inflation, and lack of openness in government economic policy and financial operations. Malnutrition had affected approximately two thirds of the country's population. The basic need of population such as food, shelter and health care had not been primary been attain by citizens. Based on the finding of the study it was concluded that there is a need for social and economic revival of DRC especially more attention been paid to women children and disabled, as they are the most affected victims of the war. On the basis of the finding, the following recommendation are made • The government must have total control over its borders and minerals. • Social and economic development that is related to UN millennium development goals.

• Improvement of working relationship with DRC and its neighbouring countries and even countries like Angola and South Africa that comes out of the war. • Adherence to African Peer Review Mechanism. • Truth and reconciliation that include restorative Justice. • Peace studies and international relations Degree in DRC universities.