A Belgian colony until its independence in 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to grapple with gross disparities and violence under the grip of political corruption and exploitation by mining corporations, depriving the nation of its natural resources and stifling the path toward an independent future. Decades of political upheaval and violent unrest have taken a heavy toll on the country’s infrastructure, unable to adequately support its population.

For countries emerging from colonial rule to thrive in the 21st century, the ILP believes robust infrastructure is paramount to improving the lives of their citizens. To date, the DRC often struggles to meet the most basic needs of its people, lagging far behind other nations in healthcare, water accessibility, education, and adequate housing. Hospitals are either prohibitively expensive, scarce, or ill-equipped, leaving many without access to essential medical care.

The pervasive absence of fundamental necessities forces Congolese people to endure preventable suffering, perpetuating incessant cycles of hardship. Moreover, the alarming prevalence of sexual violence, utilized as a weapon of war, has earned the DRC the grim distinction of "rape capital of the world," flagrantly violating the most basic human rights. In a society where gender equality remains elusive, women's healthcare is often neglected, resulting in unnecessary pain and preventable deaths.

In our time working throughout Kisangani and the DRC, people echo a yearning for peace, justice, and opportunities to realize their aspirations and advance towards a more promising future. We refuse to let this longing fall on deaf ears.