OUR mISSION
CDYC
At the Congo Diaspora Youth Council (CDYC), we unite to advocate for justice, peace, and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, taking decisive action against the ongoing atrocities and amplifying the voices of the Congolese diaspora worldwide.
Our team, composed of young Congolese from all regions of the Congo living abroad, is driven by a shared love for our homeland and a commitment to take action rather than stand by as the DRC descends into chaos.
CDYC
d.r.c history
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by decades of conflict driven by political instability, corruption, foreign interference, and competition over its vast natural resources, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and widespread human rights violations.
1885-1960
Leopold's brutal colonial rule in the Congo laid the groundwork for decades of exploitation and suffering. The Belgian government annexed the territory, ushering in a period of colonial rule until 1960.
1960-1997
Following independence, Patrice Lumumba's assassination and subsequent rule under Mobutu from 1965 to 1997 plunged the country into a period of dictatorship and oppression, backed by Western powers
1996-2003
The First Congo War led to Mobutu's ousting, yet the subsequent 1998-2003 Second Congo War further destabilized the nation, culminating in the assassination of Laurent-Désiré Kabila.
CDYC
Our wealth
The Democratic Republic of Congo is considered the world's richest country in terms of wealth in natural resources.
Most of the raw mineral deposits remain untapped and are worth an estimated $24 trillion. These deposits include the world's largest coltan reserves and considerable amounts of cobalt.
70%
World's COBALT
80%
World's COLTAN
50%
Of Africa' s forest
POPULATION
100+ Million
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a remarkably young population, with over 60% of its citizens under the age of 25.
More Than 120 Rebel Groups
Rebel groups, especially the M23, are operating in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika provinces, many of whom regularly perpetrate widespread violations and abuses that may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The Numbers
The Congo wars, resulted in millions of deaths, leaving a devastating impact. Currently, over 7 million people are internally displaced, while 23.4 million more face crisis levels of hunger or worse.
Rwanda is KILLING
External actors, notably Rwanda, support rebel groups like the M23, yet evade significant consequences, perpetuating conflict and hindering peace efforts.
CDYC
Current situation
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis caused by decades of armed group clashes, human rights violations, and gender-based violence. The crisis has displaced 7.1 million people within the DRC, 1 million people seeking asylum across Africa, and more than half a million refugees from neighboring countries. The displaced population urgently needs security support, medical aid, and other humanitarian aid.
CDYC
REASON 1
You'll be a voice for change and justice in the face of ongoing challenges and injustices affecting our country and our people.
REASON 2
You'll be joining forces with like-minded individuals who are committed to addressing the ongoing killings and lack of respect for territorial sovereignty in the DRC.
REASON 3
You'll make a difference by becoming part of an organization focused on ending the cycle of violence and promoting the well-being of the Congolese people
CDYC
FILL THE FORM
WE CAN'T WAIT TO WORK TOGETHER