Development in Conflict Situations: Lessons on Human Security Based on Experiences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Northern Cameroon

Introduction

Les conflits freinent le développement by reducing economic capacity, destroying infrastructure, and exacerbating poverty. The Congo and Cameroon each face specific conflicts linked to resources and ethnic tensions. The conflict

in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is concentrated in the eastern part of the country (North Kivu and Ituri) and pits the government against several armed groups, such as the M23, supported by Rwanda, and the ADF, a group of Islamist militants. Meanwhile, Cameroon faces a dual threat: that of secessionist violence in the English-speaking regions and that of Boko Haram in the far north.

Although conflicts hinder development, these countries are defying the odds. Cameroon and the DRC are defying the odds, with average growth rates of between 4 and 6 percent respectively and poverty rates that are stagnating. This note analyzes the economic impact of conflicts in both countries, then examines their impact on entrepreneurship and free markets in Section II. Section III presents the responses provided by state and non-state actors, and Section IV draws lessons for reconciling conflict and development.

i.   How Conflicts Undermine Human Security and Dignity: Cameroon and the DRC

Conflicts in the DRC and northern Cameroon seriously undermine human security, destroying livelihoods and causing forced displacement. They perpetuate poverty and vulnerability, permanently weakening communities. In the DRC, armed clashes have led to high mortality rates and massive displacement, with more than 70% of the population living below the poverty line. In Cameroon, violence has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, affecting human rights, education, health, and well-being (Hawkins, 2022; Galindo-Silva & Tchuente, 2023). Therefore, it is important to emphasize the need to integrate conflict into development programs.

Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon have resulted in nearly 7 million displacements, exacerbating humanitarian crises in host areas (Afriyie, 2025). Displaced populations remain vulnerable to abductions, forced labor, and sexual violence, which particularly affect women and children (Zuzeeko, 2010). The psychological trauma associated with violence and displacement undermines human dignity and community cohesion (Newman, 2007). In summary, the analysis of these cases confirms that armed conflicts undermine human security by destroying livelihoods and triggering migration.    

ii.    Impact on Entrepreneurship and Free Trade

The persistent armed conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Cameroon have a particularly detrimental impact on the development of entrepreneurship. By disrupting investment and production dynamics, this violence hinders the smooth flow of trade and undermines the foundations of the local economy. In this context, the implementation of appropriate public policies appears essential to stimulate entrepreneurial initiative, support post-conflict economic recovery, and promote the reconstruction of local and regional markets (Brück et al., 2013).

Indeed, armed conflicts profoundly disrupt commercial activities, leading to a contraction in investment and a reduction in production capacity. Entrepreneurs face major obstacles, such as insecurity, loss of assets, and the disruption of supply chains (Brück et al., 2013).

In this regard, trade barriers generated by conflicts constitute significant obstacles to trade. They manifest as the establishment of roadblocks, the imposition of additional customs duties, and widespread instability—all factors that discourage cross-border trade (Moritz et al., 2023).

Thus, the persistence of conflicts hinders the reconstruction of markets. Post-conflict contexts require considerable effort to rehabilitate trade networks. This process can, however, be facilitated by entrepreneurial initiatives that promote local products and services, contributing to economic revitalization and market consolidation (Naudé, 2009).

iii.  The Development Sector’s Responses to Conflicts – The Cases of Cameroon and the DRC

Faced with escalating conflicts, both governments have taken significant measures to limit their impact on populations and economic activities. In the DRC, the government has primarily relied on a military response against armed groups in the eastern part of the country, notably the M23 and the ADF. The state of siege imposed in Ituri and North Kivu since 2021 was intended to strengthen security control. However, despite some isolated advances, insecurity persists and continues to affect agricultural, mining, and commercial activities. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 8 million people were displaced in the DRC in 2025, making this crisis one of the largest in the world (UNHCR, 2025).

In Cameroon, the government has strengthened its military presence against Boko Haram in the Far North and has implemented significant security measures in the English-speaking regions affected by the crisis. The government launched the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the Northwest and Southwest Regions to rebuild schools, health centers, and infrastructure destroyed by the violence.

The role of international partners is significant. The World Bank is funding several stabilization and community development projects in fragile areas of Cameroon and the DRC, particularly in the sectors of education, infrastructure, and the economic integration of youth (World Bank, 2024). Several international organizations, notably the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), support programs focused on community resilience, local governance, and conflict prevention in the Lake Chad Basin and eastern DRC (UNDP, 2024).

Development aid has also gradually evolved. It used to focus primarily on infrastructure or economic growth, but today it incorporates issues of human security, community resilience, and peacebuilding. Donors are increasingly favoring the so-called “humanitarian-development-peace nexus” approach, which aims to address both humanitarian emergencies and sustainable development challenges simultaneously (OECD, 2023).

iv.    Reconciling Conflict and Development: Lessons for Advancing Economic Freedom

The experiences of Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo show us that development can progress even during times of conflict, provided that public policies prioritize human security and economic freedom. First, it is essential to create a business-friendly environment by ensuring the security of people, property, and infrastructure. Second, it is important to support small and medium-sized enterprises by providing them with better access to financing, training, and markets, to create jobs and reduce young people’s dependence on armed groups. Strengthening regional trade, particularly through the AfCFTA, can offer new economic opportunities for fragile regions. Data from the World Bank and the OECD indicate that countries with strong institutions, good governance, and a dynamic private sector are better able to withstand crises. Consequently, promoting economic freedom, governance, and entrepreneurship is an essential means of transforming conflict-affected societies into more inclusive and resilient economies.

Policy Recommendations

• Increase investmentin education, infrastructure, and social services in conflict-affected areas to reduce economic and social frustrations.
• Improve local governance and transparency in the management of natural resources, which are often sources of tension, particularly in the DRC
• Support job creation and youth entrepreneurship to reduce vulnerability to recruitment by armed groups.
• Encourage integrated programs that link security, economic development, and social cohesion to achieve sustainable stabilization.
• Strengthen coordination between the government, NGOs, and international partners to improve the impact of interventions.

Conclusion

The examples of Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrate that conflicts hinder development. They threaten security, entrepreneurship, and economic exchanges. But they also show that appropriate policies can strengthen people’s resilience. Policies that combine security, good governance, support for the private sector, and local development are effective. Approaches based on human security and the link between humanitarian aid, development, and peace are equally promising. In the long term, it is crucial to invest in institutions, economic freedom, and human capital. This helps build lasting peace and inclusive development.

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