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What would happen if all foreign forces left the Congo?

03:50

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February 18, 2025

Ever since the Congo became independent, foreign forces have been present. From Jadotville to Goma, the foreign forces have taken many guises - peacekeepers, mercenaries, rebel armies and government forces of Uganda and Rwanda. But what would happen if all foreign forces left?

Foreign forces have patrolled the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for the last three decades.  

Picture rebel groups, UN peacekeepers, (( the Congolese national army,)) mercenaries and even special intervention brigades.  

But after years of endless violence and over 6 million deaths, many Congolese have grown tired and hopeless – and now want all foreign troops to leave so that once and for all, the DRC would have true sovereignty.   

So, what would happen if all foreign forces left? 

Cai Nebe Producer, podcaster and editor for DW Africa
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