Final answer:
The complex and compact nature of ethnicity in the Democratic Republic of Congo set up ethnic cleansing and genocide through historical factors and external influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The complex and compact nature of ethnicity in the Democratic Republic of Congo set up ethnic cleansing and genocide through a combination of historical factors and external influences. Similar to the situation in Rwanda, the Belgians played a significant role by manipulating ethnic divisions and privileging certain groups over others during their colonial rule. This created deep-seated tensions and power struggles, eventually leading to ethnic conflict and violence.