Ethnicity and Armed Conflict in Ruzizi, Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo
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Date
2023-11-15
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Kampala International University
Abstract
The study was about Ethnicity and armed conflict in Ruzizi, Eastern Democratic republic of Congo. The study objectives were: to evaluate the relationship between ethnicity and international armed conflict in Ruzizi, eastern DRC, to examine the effect of ethnicity on internalized armed conflict in Ruzizi, eastern DRC, to investigate the effect of ethnicity on non-international armed conflict Ruzizi, eastern DRC. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and a mixed approach in data collection. Accordingly, data collection was through the use of questionnaire and face to face interview, data analysis relied on data collected from 379 respondents and 15 key informants. Furthermore, the study was guided by the two theories that is the Human Needs Theory by Burton, and Just-war theory by Thomas Aquinas. On the first objective, the findings on ethnicity and international armed conflict reveal that various armed groups from neighboring countries as well as regional and international actors have been involved in the conflict. On the second objective, it was found that historical tensions between the various ethnic groups was fueled by colonial legacies, and political manipulation has been exploited by armed groups for recruitment, mobilization, and resource control. On the third objective, it was found that violence involving both state and non-state actors have been driven by a combination of political power struggles, competition over natural resources and regional dynamics among many others. The study concluded that it is crucial to approach the situation in the eastern DRC with sensitivity and recognize the multifaceted nature of the conflicts. Addressing the root causes of these conflicts requires comprehensive approaches that encompass political, social, economic, and security dimensions, along with efforts to promote peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the region. However the study recommended that: authorities in DRC should conduct operations research to identify specific drivers of conflict and potential solutions and should involve local, national, and international researchers, practitioners, and diplomats, there should be promising interventions to establish or solidify peace, implement increased citizen engagement in the government and decision making processes are essential to all interventions, there should be mechanisms to stabilize the political situations in DRC in order to reduce on the pressure from internalized armed conflicts.
Description
A Research Thesis Presented to the College Of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Master of International Relations and Diplomacy of Kampala International University
Keywords
Ethnicity, Armed Conflict, Ruzizi, DRC