MWE Correspondent
More than five decades since the first attempts were made to bring peace to the conflict-ridden eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), efforts to resolve the crisis still seem stuck in a frustrating cycle of setbacks and stalled talks.
The latest round of negotiations, hosted in Doha and mediated by Qatar, is yet another attempt to bring together the Congolese government, the March 23 Movement (M23), and Rwanda—all central players in a crisis that has displaced millions and left the mineral-rich region scarred by conflict. Yet despite the hopeful tone, many observers remain skeptical.
Seasoned diplomatic analysts point to a familiar pattern: peace processes that exclude key voices on the ground, or rely too heavily on military solutions, tend to fall apart. In this case, although several countries and regional blocs have stepped in over the years—the United Nations (UN), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)—none have been able to halt the violence.
This reality has become more evident as troops from SADC begin withdrawing from the DRC, including soldiers from Tanzania and Malawi. Their exit, facilitated through Rwanda, follows mounting losses on the battlefield and little progress in containing rebel advances.
MONUSCO, the long-standing UN peacekeeping force in the country, has faced similar criticism. Despite being one of the largest missions of its kind globally, it has struggled to deliver results. Although the UN recently extended its mandate through the end of this year, the mission’s presence has done little to stop the continued clashes in the region.
Also Read; US, Ukraine Finally Sign Mineral Deal
Diplomatic efforts have also faltered. Angolan President João Lourenço, once a key regional mediator, recently stepped down from his role in the peace process, citing interference and stalled progress. His withdrawal was a clear sign that even seasoned negotiators are finding it difficult to break the deadlock.
In this context, Qatar’s latest effort to convene all major players in the same room offers a glimmer of hope. With quiet backing from the United States, which has expressed interest in hosting a final peace accord if talks progress, some analysts believe this could be a turning point—though they warn that many such “turning points” have come and gone before.
On the ground, however, the situation remains dire. In South Kivu, fresh clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels have forced thousands to flee once again. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with over seven million people displaced and communities across the eastern provinces living in fear and uncertainty.
For the people of eastern DRC, peace is not a theory—it is a desperate need. As international stakeholders continue to debate terms in high-level rooms, the question remains: how long must these communities wait for a resolution that finally holds?
