After 'All Eyes On Rafah', 'All Eyes On Congo' Trends Online. Here's Why

Days after #AllEyesOnRafah trended online, a new hashtag is generating tons of traction among netizens. A social media campaign to highlight the human rights crisis taking place in the African nation of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is drawing the much-needed attention as it requires.

#AllEyesOnCongo campaign is being run to renew the global attention to dire situation of the impoverished nation. This mirrors the ongoing social media campaign highlighting the plight in Rafah, Gaza.

Social media users are sharing extremely graphic pictures and videos which are disturbing, but showcases the ongoing violence in the country. While the hashtag has been here for a while, its regained traction aims to throw light in the long-lasting and devastating conflict taking place in the DRC. The conflict has claimed million lives till now and displaced countless.

The distressing image of Congolese children, which has been shared over 8 million times on Instagram, has ignited the global outrage.

The conflict in DRC is nothing short of a catastrophe. A country rich in minerals like coltan - used extensively in electronic devices - more than 100 militant groups are staking claim to control the mining.

A resurgent militia, M23, are back on the offensive in DRC. M23 is an ethnic Tutsi group which rebelled against the Congolese army. Their relentless attack on key areas like Rubaya has intensified the fight. The UN and DRC both accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23. Rwanda categorically denies the claim.

The continuous violence has sparked outrage in the DRC. This year in February, agitators clashed with the police and burned the country's flag to express anguish over inaction by the international community and perceived support for Rwanda.

Going back in time, we see that this conflict has deep roots. The 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in scores of Hutu refugees migrating to Congo, ignited the two wars fought between both the countries. The last war, in 1998, claimed lives of millions of Congolese.

The political situation in the DRC also looks fragile. President Tshisekdi is facing a tough time after securing a second term amidst coup attempts that led to multiple arrests, including American nationals.

Campaigns like #AllEyesOnCongo may attract millions of views and raise a social media firestorm, but their ultimate aim is gain global action and empathy.