The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Crisis: A Multifaceted Examination of Involved Actors and Complex Interests

Institutional Affiliation

Africa Center for Strategy and Policy

Start Date

16-1-2025 10:45 AM

End Date

16-2-2025 12:15 PM

Proposal Type

Presentation

Proposal Format

On-campus

Proposal Description

Abstract:

The ongoing crisis in the northern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a multifaceted conundrum, marked by a myriad of internal and external actors with diverse interests. This paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the nature of the crisis and the roles played by various stakeholders, both within the country and beyond, in diplomatic and military efforts to resolve it. Over the past decade, the DRC has been engulfed in conflict involving over hundreds of armed groups, resulting in millions of civilian deaths, casualties, widespread internal displacements, and refugee flows. War crimes, crimes against humanity, allegations of genocide, and rampant cases of sexual violence have tragically characterized this protracted conflict. At the forefront of the current crisis is the ongoing conflict between the DRC government forces and the March 23 (M23) rebel group. Accusations abound, with the DRC government alleging Rwandan sponsorship of the M23 rebels through military, logistical, and diplomatic support, while Rwanda in turn accuses the DRC government of collaborating with the Force Démocratique pour la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR). Such accusations have deepened the mistrust between these neighboring states, exacerbating tensions within the East African Community (EAC). The conflict has witnessed the utilization of sophisticated military equipment, including advanced drones and air defense systems by both sides. Despite numerous efforts, including peaceful negotiations led by prominent figures such as Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi and President João Lourenço of Angola, the crisis persists unabated. Calls for a ceasefire from the United States (US), European Union member states, and the United Nations Security Council have thus far failed to quell the violence. This paper delves into the involvement of various actors and assesses how their actions, whether implicit or explicit, have influenced efforts to resolve the crisis. Additionally, it explores the prospects for achieving peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region of North Kivu. Drawing upon documentary research and in-depth interviews, information will be thematically presented using a discourse analysis approach. Ultimately, the paper concludes with key recommendations aimed at improving the situation and contributing to the cessation of hostilities, thereby fostering peace and stability in North Kivu and beyond.

Key words: DRC, Complex interests, Multifaceted Actors, M23Top of Form

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Jan 16th, 10:45 AM Feb 16th, 12:15 PM

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Crisis: A Multifaceted Examination of Involved Actors and Complex Interests

Abstract:

The ongoing crisis in the northern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a multifaceted conundrum, marked by a myriad of internal and external actors with diverse interests. This paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the nature of the crisis and the roles played by various stakeholders, both within the country and beyond, in diplomatic and military efforts to resolve it. Over the past decade, the DRC has been engulfed in conflict involving over hundreds of armed groups, resulting in millions of civilian deaths, casualties, widespread internal displacements, and refugee flows. War crimes, crimes against humanity, allegations of genocide, and rampant cases of sexual violence have tragically characterized this protracted conflict. At the forefront of the current crisis is the ongoing conflict between the DRC government forces and the March 23 (M23) rebel group. Accusations abound, with the DRC government alleging Rwandan sponsorship of the M23 rebels through military, logistical, and diplomatic support, while Rwanda in turn accuses the DRC government of collaborating with the Force Démocratique pour la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR). Such accusations have deepened the mistrust between these neighboring states, exacerbating tensions within the East African Community (EAC). The conflict has witnessed the utilization of sophisticated military equipment, including advanced drones and air defense systems by both sides. Despite numerous efforts, including peaceful negotiations led by prominent figures such as Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi and President João Lourenço of Angola, the crisis persists unabated. Calls for a ceasefire from the United States (US), European Union member states, and the United Nations Security Council have thus far failed to quell the violence. This paper delves into the involvement of various actors and assesses how their actions, whether implicit or explicit, have influenced efforts to resolve the crisis. Additionally, it explores the prospects for achieving peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region of North Kivu. Drawing upon documentary research and in-depth interviews, information will be thematically presented using a discourse analysis approach. Ultimately, the paper concludes with key recommendations aimed at improving the situation and contributing to the cessation of hostilities, thereby fostering peace and stability in North Kivu and beyond.

Key words: DRC, Complex interests, Multifaceted Actors, M23Top of Form