Centre Résolution Conflits, DR Congo

Making peace last in war-torn Congo

Over five million people have died in DR Congo since 1998. Communities have been torn apart as neighbour turns on neighbour, law and order disintegrates and development grinds to a halt. Boys as young as seven are abducted in rebel militias, their mothers and sisters raped, their fathers murdered. The tragedy seems overwhelming – but local peacebuilder Henri Ladyi is dedicated to making peace last.

I grew up in war and like many boys from my community I thought about joining the local militia to protect my family. - Henri Ladyi

Henri understands the pressures that the local community are under, because he has been there with them every day of this terrifying war, but ten years ago he came to a crossroads, and chose peace over violence.

Henri is now director of local organisation Céntre Resolution Conflits (CRC). Twice he has been abducted and tortured by militia, with sticks forced between his fingernails. The last time he fled for his life with his wife and child, walking for three days through dank jungle, in fear of the threat of brutal militia at every moment. He is now more determined than ever.

The CRC has been working right through the war, mediating in violent flashpoints, building relationships between the UN and militias and training people from different tribes to live together peacefully, to prevent violence, unite communities and save lives.

For more information, insight and analysis on the conflict in DR Congo, visit Insight on Conflict.