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This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies argues that the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is hindered by a rigid, reactive mandate that fails to address the complex regional political dynamics and the enhanced military capabilities of armed groups like the M23. The authors call for a fundamental recalibration of the mission, shifting from a defensive posture to one focused on prevention, flexible rules of engagement, and a transition strategy based on local readiness benchmarks rather than fixed timelines.

This research paper analyzes the December 20, 2023, general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), examining the political landscape, the roles of electoral institutions, and the impact of regional instability and natural resource competition on the democratic process.

This legal guide, published by Natural Justice in July 2023, provides environmental and land rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with information on their constitutional and statutory rights and the legal mechanisms available to remedy human rights violations.

This report analyzes the human and economic development prospects of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) up to 2050. It contrasts a 'Current Path' scenario, characterized by persistent poverty, poor governance, and infrastructure deficits, with a 'comprehensive scenario' involving targeted interventions in governance, infrastructure, human capital, agriculture, and economic diversification.

This introductory section of a special report by the Institute for Security Studies outlines the current socio-economic and humanitarian state of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and introduces a forecasting project to analyze its development pathways to 2050 using the International Futures (IFs) modelling platform.

The report analyzes the impact of President Felix Tshisekedi's 'sacred union' coalition on the Democratic Republic of the Congo's path toward the 2023 elections. While the coalition has given the president a parliamentary majority, the report highlights deep-seated distrust in the electoral system and the risk that reforms to the electoral laws and the CENI commission may be superficial or manipulated to ensure the president's re-election. It also discusses the contentious debate over a population census and the ongoing security crisis in the eastern DRC, specifically in North Kivu and Ituri.

This briefing note, based on 2018 research by FSD Africa and ELAN RDC, assesses the demand for financial and non-financial goods and services among refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It identifies a significant, underserved market with substantial aggregate spending power, particularly among IDPs, and highlights opportunities for financial service providers in micro-loans, digital credit, and utility payment systems.

This briefing from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes two distinct security and political crises: the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) involving the M23 rebel group and Rwandan influence, and the economic instability and civil unrest in Sudan under President Omar al-Bashir.

This policy briefing examines the presence and operations of Indian mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically focusing on the copper, cobalt, tin, and tantalum sectors. It highlights the growth of small and medium-sized Indian firms, their reliance on self-funding rather than state or Western capital, and the environmental and political risks they face in the Katanga province.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 50 years after independence, focusing on the challenges of territorial consolidation, resource governance, and the transition of UN peacekeeping operations.

This research paper examines the social and economic impacts of artisanal cassiterite mining in Kalima, Maniema province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Based on 2007 fieldwork, the author argues that artisanal mining provides better employment, income, and working conditions for the local population than the previous industrial mining era, while remaining largely disconnected from the violent conflict seen in other DRC provinces.

This briefing analyzes the shifting political and military landscape in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the leadership change in the CNDP in January 2009 and the subsequent joint military operation between the DRC and Rwanda against the FDLR.

This situation report evaluates the failure of security sector reform (SSR) and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically focusing on the impact on the Kivu Provinces. It argues that the lack of progress in these areas, driven by a lack of political will from the Congolese government and poor international coordination, has contributed to the fragility of the peace process and the resumption of fighting in eastern DRC in October 2008.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the 2007 Nairobi Agreement and the 2008 Goma Acte d’engagement, evaluating their potential to stabilize the Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It examines the challenges of disarming the Forces Démocratique de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) and the Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP), while highlighting the critical failures of the Congolese army (FARDC) and the broader Security Sector Reform (SSR) process.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the aftermath of the 2006 elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, detailing the victory of Joseph Kabila, the resulting regional political divides, post-election violence in Kinshasa, and ongoing instability in North Kivu caused by dissident General Nkunda.

This briefing from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the aftermath of the Democratic Republic of Congo's first democratic elections in 40 years, held on 30 July 2006. It evaluates the security situation across various provinces, the logistical challenges of the vote-counting process, and potential political scenarios and alliances should a second round of presidential voting be required.

This briefing discusses the volatile political atmosphere in the Democratic Republic of Congo following its first free elections in over four decades, focusing on the lead held by incumbent President Joseph Kabila over Jean-Pierre Bemba and the potential for renewed conflict.

This situation report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the progress and obstacles of security sector reform (SSR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during its transitional government period (2003-2005). It focuses on the integration of the national army (FARDC), the restructuring of the national police (PNC), and the implementation of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs.

This situation report analyzes the stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's transition government one year after its inauguration. It details a deepening crisis characterized by military rebellion in the east led by General Laurent Nkunda, internal political infighting among the three main belligerent components (PPRD, RCD-G, and MLC), and significant delays in critical reforms such as the reintegration of the national army.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the instability in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the failure of stabilization plans due to ongoing conflict, human rights abuses by both armed groups and national forces, and the complicating influence of regional actors.