The colonial legancy and the Humanitarian crises in the great Lakes Region of Africa A case study of Eastern DRC

Abstract

The study examines the colonial legacy and the humanitarian crisis in the Eastern DRC. The research has three objectives: to identify the characteristics of Colonial legacy in the Eastern DRC, to establish the crisis caused by colonialism in the Eastern DRC, to investigate if there is any relationship between colonial legacy and humanitarian crisis in the Eastern DRC. This research is guided by three questions such as to explain the characteristics of colonial legacy in the Eastern DRC, to establish the challenges caused by colonialism in the Eastern DRC and to see if there is any relationship between humanitarian crisis and colonial legacy in the Eastern DRC. The population of this study is the displaced people living in the camp of GIHEMBE in GICUMBI District, Gihembe sector) and local leaders from Goma area in Eastern DRC. The study population consisted of both male and female having the age group of 45 and above. The reason for choosing this age group is because it is the older people who were there during colonialism therefore they are able to provide the needed information of the study. This category of age is also to be considered for the collection of information as mature they are staying at homes therefore was facilitated the researcher to meet. The colonization factors by far, the presence of armed groups in the region also fuels the violence. Behind the mentioned facts are the peacekeeping missions. All those factors remain at the heart of the humanitarian crisis in DRC which result in number of deaths, displacement of persons both internally and externally, diseases in refugees, many died by hungry and political instability hence reducing the socio economic potentials of the region in general. The overwhelming negative effects of continuing crisis on peace, Security and stability in the society of Great Lakes Region need to be addressed. This study was at exploring the impact of the colonial legacy and humanitarian crisis in the great lakes region. The researcher used the qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. The qualitative research method allowed the researcher to find out much richer answers to the questions analyzed in the study and the quantitative method helped him to understand and interprets the results using mathematical concept, statistical analysis, theories and hypothesis pertaining to phenomena. Questionnaires and interview methods was also used. Data was got from Gihembe refugee camp and Goma which was a field area and other sources such as Journals, Books and Gihembe camp records. The researcher recommended the government of DRC to improve the internal affairs including stopping discrimination between Congolese, stopping corruption and establishing adequate salaries for authorities at local level and the military, reform of the government institutions to which the population may have access easily; at no cost. Focus on control and regulations implementation of the exploitation of natural resources. The researcher also recommended the neighbouring countries of DRC to help for maintaining security in the region by working together fighting against arms smuggling and trafficking