DR Congo

Congo Kinshasa is Africa's second largest country and five times larger than Sweden. The country has almost 90 million inhabitants. The country has a long history of conflicts and wars and have only since 2006 had any kind of democracy with elections. Between 1998 and 2003, what many called Africa's First World War, in which nine neighboring countries were involved, took place. 4-5 million people died as a result of the war. The conflict was largely about a struggle for the country's vast natural resources of gold, diamonds and minerals.

Many companies in the western world and China have major interests in Congo and have contributed to the conflict through illegal trade in minerals and diamonds.

In the summer of 2006, with the help of the UN, the first democratic elections since independence were held.

The challenges facing the new government are many and great. As a result of the war and the long misrule under Mobutu's 30-year dictatorship, the country is now one of the poorest in the world.

Congo is a rich country but the riches unfortunately do not benefit the population in part. The purpose of Bilanga's work is to help so that more people can take part in the wealth they have in the form of fertile soils that are excellent for agriculture.

Facts on Congo Kinshasa, (to be updated):