Political Instability as Root of Armed Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo
David Rugaza *
Licensed Senior Attorney (Barrister) in Rwanda and East African Community, Rwanda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The oppressive policies of military regimes occasioned political instability in the Democratic. Republic of Congo (DRC). This oppression led to the formation of armed groups leading to persistent armed conflict. This study was based on understanding the role of political instability in armed warfare in DRC. The aims of the study included: investigating the origin of political instability in the DRC, examining how political instability is a colonial legacy, determining how rebel groups perpetuated armed conflict, and investigating how political instability is the root of armed conflict in DRC. A qualitative research methodology based on a narrative review was used to examine published literature on armed conflict in the DRC. The study found that persistent political oppression led to the formation of rebel movements that perpetuated armed conflict. The study recommends developing a string politically stable system in DRC as an antidote to future armed warfare.
Keywords: Political Instability, armed groups, Democratic Republic of Congo, unrest, refugees, humanitarian rights