The War That Doesn't Say Its Name

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The ongoing military conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, often referred to as a "forever war," has persisted for nearly three decades, resulting in millions of deaths and severe humanitarian crises. This work investigates the recent phase of this conflict, particularly why the 2003 peace deal—backed by the largest UN peacekeeping mission and substantial international aid—has failed to end the violence. The author argues that the conflict has become self-perpetuating, fueled by the apathy and complicity of both local and international actors. A narrow military bourgeoisie, consisting of commanders and politicians, has emerged, finding survival, dignity, and profit in the ongoing strife. While foreign donors provide essential aid, this has not led to meaningful change in the Congolese state. The text offers a detailed historical account of the conflict, examining key players, including the Congolese and Rwandan states and various armed groups. It extends its analysis to other African conflicts, proposing a theory that emphasizes the interests of the belligerents and the social structures that sustain them. By exploring the self-reproductive nature of violence in the Congo, it illuminates the reasons behind the persistence of certain military feuds without resolution.