Title: Understanding the Conflict Dynamics in the Kivus (DRC)
Author/Institution: International Alert Publication Year: 2015
Focus of the Report
This report by International Alert examines the complex conflict dynamics in North and South Kivu, two provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo that are both mineral-rich and conflict-prone. It situates mining within a broader web of insecurity, exploring how natural resources intersect with ethnic tensions, weak governance, armed groups, and fragile institutions. Rather than treating mining as the sole driver, the analysis emphasizes its role as one factor among many shaping the region’s instability.
Main Findings
The study highlights how control over mineral trade routes and taxation systems is a major source of revenue for both armed groups and corrupt local elites. Communities often find themselves caught between competing authorities, facing extortion, insecurity, and exclusion from decision-
making. The absence of effective governance and transparent regulation amplifies mistrust, leading to recurring cycles of violence and protest. At the same time, attempts at formalization or international certification schemes have had mixed results, sometimes reinforcing inequalities rather than reducing them.
Implications
The report concludes that addressing conflict in the Kivus requires a multi-dimensional approach: strengthening local governance, creating inclusive economic opportunities, and supporting community-led peacebuilding initiatives. For companies and policymakers, the lesson is that narrowly technical fixes— such as certification or monitoring schemes—will not succeed unless they are embedded in broader strategies that address governance deficits and community needs. The Kivus thus remains a critical test case for how the global demand for minerals intersects with local realities of fragility and conflict.