🇨🇩 Trump’s Claim of Ending Congo’s War Sparks Outrage Amid Ongoing Clashes
GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo –
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited international controversy after declaring that he ended the decades-long conflict in eastern Congo—a claim firmly rejected by local residents, civil society leaders, human rights organizations, and conflict analysts.
In a speech on Monday, Trump described Congo as the “darkest, deepest part of Africa” and boasted:
“For 35 years, it was a vicious war. Nine million people were killed with machetes. I stopped it. I got it stopped and saved lots of lives.”
The comments, made months after Trump reportedly helped facilitate a peace deal between Congo and Rwanda in June, were met with widespread disbelief on the ground. While the agreement initially raised hopes for calm, the situation in eastern Congo has remained volatile, with fresh fighting and continued displacement.
🧨 Continued Violence in Eastern Congo
In reality, clashes have continued in several hotspots, particularly involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and local militia groups, notably the Wazalendo movement. These confrontations have triggered renewed fear and instability in key areas of North and South Kivu provinces.
Ciruza Mushenzi Dieudonné, a local human rights inspector in Kabare territory, South Kivu, reported that entire communities—including Bugobe, Cirunga, Kagami, and Bushwira—remain under threat.
“People are still fleeing due to clashes. Hospitals only operate during the day, and healthcare workers must hide at night due to insecurity,” he said.
🕊️ A Peace Deal Stuck in Limbo
Although the peace deal brokered in June initially brought optimism, its implementation has faltered. A final agreement between the Congolese government and M23 rebels, reportedly facilitated by Qatar, missed its deadline. Both parties accuse each other of violating the terms.
Christian Moleka, a political analyst based in Congo, commented:
“Trump’s initiative may be seen more as a truce than a definitive resolution. This conflict involves not only military tensions but deep structural issues—land rights, local identity crises, and foreign interference.”
❌ Human Rights Violations Persist
According to Amnesty International, fighting has been recorded in several regions over the past 24 hours alone. Christian Rumu, a senior researcher with the organization, condemned Trump’s remarks:
🎓 Voices from the Ground: Students, Activists, and Civil Society Speak Out
Local residents—especially youth—express deep frustration over Trump’s claim.
Amani Safari, a university student in Goma, stated:
“The agreement lacks enforceable sanctions. The U.S. seems to prioritize its interests while we continue to suffer.”
Espoir Muhinuka, a well-known activist, urged the former president to take concrete actions:
“If this peace deal is not enforced, it will deceive all of humanity.”
Civil society leader John Banyene echoed similar concerns:
“We are losing hope. The killings, the displacement, the clashes—they haven’t stopped. We support dialogue, but it drags on with no real progress.”
🧩 Complex Causes, Simplistic Solutions?
Analysts warn that viewing Congo’s conflict through a simplified diplomatic lens may do more harm than good.
The crisis in eastern Congo is tied to:
- Historic neglect by the central government
- Ethnic tensions and land disputes
- Regional interference, particularly by neighboring countries
- The unresolved legacy of past wars dating back to the 1990s
These layers cannot be undone by a single meeting or a handshake deal, critics argue.
📢 Conclusion: The War Isn’t Over
While Trump’s claim may resonate with his political base, the situation in Congo tells a different story. The war in the eastern region is far from over, and peace remains fragile.
As civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflict, Congolese voices are calling not for declarations, but for real international commitment, sustained pressure, and inclusive dialogue that addresses the roots of war—not just the symptoms.