Bukavu, Eastern DRC, and the Question of Global Authority

By the YWF Bukavu Team In Bukavu and throughout the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the population has lived with conflict and war for three decades. Faced with this reality, the majority of young people in their thirties have come to accept it as normal. Armed conflicts, population displacement, insecurity, unemployment, and humanitarian crises recur despite the efforts of the Congolese government, international organizations, and peace agreements; the violence persists. It is in this context that the question of a genuine global authority, capable of enforcing the rule of law above nation-states, deserves to be raised.

In our view, several challenges facing our region (poor governance, lack of leadership, socio-economic issues, lack of patriotism, etc.) cannot be resolved solely at the national level. Armed groups operate across borders, illegal mining involves international networks, and civilian populations remain the primary victims. Even when a state wants to act, it may lack the resources, stability, or genuine international support.

In this context, a global authority with real law enforcement power could have a positive impact. Unlike the current system, where some international institutions often limit themselves to issuing recommendations, a stronger global authority could act swiftly against human rights violations, support for armed groups, and war crimes. It could also help protect civilians before violence triggers mass displacements.

However, trust would be essential. Many people in our region view certain international institutions as being out of touch with local realities or influenced by major powers. To be credible in Bukavu, such an authority would need to be fair, transparent, independent, and fairly represent all regions of the world, including Africa. The rules should apply equally to powerful and weak countries.

We also believe that a global authority cannot solve everything alone. Peace also depends on good governance, dialogue between communities, education, and local economic opportunities. But faced with conflicts that transcend national borders, in Bukavu, the population is not just asking for speeches about peace. Above all, they expect a justice system capable of truly protecting people and ensuring respect for human dignity everywhere, without exception.