…As Death Toll Nears 10,000, Official Reports Confirm
04.03.25
Citizens First President Harry Kalaba has expressed deep concern over the escalating death toll of both innocent civilians and combatants in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kalaba has reiterated his call for the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations (UN), and other regional leaders to intensify efforts in curbing the violence, which has already drawn in neighboring countries.
“In this age of diplomacy, we should not be witnessing thousands of people dying daily. The conflict in Congo, which has been raging for decades, can be slowed down or even ended with concerted efforts from regional leaders, including Zambia, which shares a vast border with the DRC,” Kalaba stated.
He further warned that trade between Zambia and the DRC is likely to suffer as the conflict between President Felix Tshisekedi’s government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels intensifies.
“Official reports put the death toll at about 8,500 since the conflict flared up in January,” said Kalaba. “That means nearly 300 people are dying every month in Congo, including women and children, which I believe is criminal.”
The fighting, primarily concentrated in eastern Congo near the Rwandan border, is driven by competition for control over the country’s vast mineral resources. However, the M23 rebels claim they are fighting to protect the minority Tutsi population in the region, a group also found in Rwanda, where President Paul Kagame himself is Tutsi.
Uganda and Burundi are already on the periphery of the conflict, with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni deploying large numbers of troops along the Congolese border. South Africa has also suffered casualties, losing 15 peacekeeping soldiers on the battlefield.
“Zambia shares a border of over 1,900 km with the DRC, so we must take a special interest in working with regional bodies to end this prolonged conflict, save lives, and enhance trade,” Kalaba emphasized.
Zambia has historically been home to thousands of Congolese refugees displaced by war, though some have since returned home or sought refuge in other neighboring countries.
Despite being the richest country in Africa in terms of mineral resources, the DRC has remained unstable for decades, frequently targeted by military coups and armed conflicts.
Kalaba, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed that the Congolese people have endured enough suffering and deserve peace. He urged Zambia and regional bodies such as SADC to play an active role in helping to restore stability in the war-torn nation.