This paper is a comment on the underlying problems of the Congo conflict and the initiatives taken during the peace process, its achievements and failures. It makes a brief comparison with other jurisdictions emerging from conflict, and argues that serious underlying problems remain which have been either inadequately addressed by the peace process or not addressed at all. Such a failure threatens to undermine the progress already achieved. I conclude by looking at the lessons that can be learnt from this unique and complex conflict and consider the implications for the future.