A Glimmer of Hope in Africa

The war in eastern Congo has been the source of unspeakable horror, but there is a chance that change is coming

James Nachtwey / VII for TIME

Affleck is patted down before he interviews Laurent Nkunda.

Correction Appended, Feb. 17, 2009

The picture of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown tragically familiar: a region with great natural wealth, riven by war, racked with hunger and traumatized by a long history of colonial abuse, postcolonial kleptocracy and plunder. In the past 10 years alone, millions have died here, and more die each day as a result of the conflict. Most die not from war wounds but from starvation or disease. A lack of infrastructure means there is little medical care in the cities and none in rural communities, so any...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!