Much of the war-torn country has largely become lawless, overrun by warlords who exploit and murder the population for their own gain. Delving into the history of the former Belgian colony, this book exposes the horror of day-to-day life in the Congo, largely precipitated by colonial exploitation and internal strife after gaining independence. It offers not only a view into the dire situation but also examines how the Western world, a part of the problem, can become a part of the solution.

The Gates of Hell -- The Mandro hut -- Village of the skulls -- Gold from blood -- Cauldron of chaos -- An epidemic of rape -- The agony of Abyei -- A tale of two Sudans -- Armies and exploitation -- Woes of Walikale -- Controlling the flow -- Into Coltan country -- Realities of refugees -- Charcoal, wildlife, and angry Mai-Mai -- Things fall apart -- Resolution and illusion -- The horror and the hope.