Geopolitics and conflict in the DRC
Securing lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo requires balancing national and regional geopolitical interests.
Date: 2025-05-07
Time: 12:30 to 16:30
Venue: ISS Pretoria and online via Zoom
Since January, renewed clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have triggered another humanitarian catastrophe in the Great Lakes region. By February, the M23 rebel group had taken control of Goma and Bukavu, two key cities in a region heavily endowed with mineral resources.
Under pressure, the DRC government finally agreed to direct peace talks with M23 in late March. Brokered by Qatar, the negotiations led to a ceasefire announced on 23 April, giving hope that calm could return to eastern DRC.
This seminar will analyse the conflict dynamics and its geopolitical implications. Speakers will discuss the factors underlying the recent escalation and explore options for peace.
This event is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and North West University’s Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy, and Afrocentric Governance of Public Affairs.
Simultaneous French-English interpretation will be provided for the online audience.
Moderator: Ottilia Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects, ISS
Panelists:
- Dr Claude Kabemba, Executive Director, Southern Africa Resource Watch
- Dr Michael S Mugah, Researcher, ISS Nairobi
- Brig-General (rtd) Peter Sereko, Operational expert in SANDF missions
