Congo Map: Thousands Flee Fighting in East Congo

Mapsales examines these Congo maps as thousands flee their homes. The fighting in east Democratic Republic of Congo between rebels and government forces continues today, despite an overwhelming death toll.

Death Toll at 70, Possibly More

The fighting began last week in the town of Kitchanga, which is in Nord-Kivu, found on this Democratic Republic of Congo Map. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa by area. The Democratic Republic of Congo features a variety of geographic features including mountains, the Congo River, rain forest and savannas.

Map of the Democratic Republic of Congo

The rivers and mountains are seen on this physical Democratic Republic of Congo Map. The Albertine Rift Mountains experiences volcanic activity which has exposed an enormous amount of mineral wealth. Gold, copper, diamonds, cobalt, cadmium, silver, and coal are just a sample of the plentiful supply of minerals. However, where there is wealth, there is also conflict.

Brief History of African Conflicts 

The Second Congo War, also known as the African World War, began in 1998 and involved nine African nations and twenty armed groups. As fighting surges and decreases in neighboring countries, refugees on the losing side flee to nearby countries, sometimes restarting conflicts. Countries such as Rwanda and Uganda may sound familiar due to the amount of fighting in recent decades. Take a look at the Democratic Republic of Congo's neighboring countries on this political Africa Wall Map. Although peace treaties were signed in 2003, the fighting continues in the east. Ethnic tensions and battles over resources add to the complexity of the conflict.

Over 10,000 people have gathered in front of the UN base in Kitchanga, fleeing the fighting and torched homes. It appears that fighters on both sides of the conflict are accused of violence toward civilians, killing 5.4 million people since 1998.