Democratic Republic of the Congo

From Sudan to the DRC and Mozambique, armed groups prey on internally displaced people to instil fear and consolidate power.

No mediation effort has outlined the incentives required to move the conflict parties towards de-escalation, let alone peace.

Domestic power struggles between President Tshisekedi and former president Kabila will likely complicate difficult negotiations with M23.

Ineffective African interventions in the region have opened the door to more assertive external actors.

Securing lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo requires balancing national and regional geopolitical interests.

Securing lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo requires balancing national and regional geopolitical interests.

Dynamics on the ground in eastern DRC and the country’s capital will test Qatar’s mediation efforts.

The premature withdrawal of SADC troops reveals deep-seated political problems and military capacity limitations.

Mistrust between leaders and the region’s militaristic past make security cooperation between affected countries difficult – but essential.

As M23 continues its destructive march, the EAC-SADC summit must consider lessons from failed peace efforts.

João Lourenço’s Luanda peace deal seems unlikely to resolve the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Tanzania’s geographical location and conflict mediation experience make it well placed to bridge the region’s various peace efforts.