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https://theconversation.com/drc-conflict-risks-spreading-african-leaders-must-push-for-solutions-beyond-military-intervention-234693>
"In response to the deepening crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), the United Nations Security Council established a panel of independent
experts in 2023 to examine the situation and provide it with options to address
the conflict. In June 2024, the UN released the panel’s final report.
The report provides a devastating account of the unimaginable scale of violence
against civilians. It also shows the failure of state actors to work in unison
to bring peace to the region. The implicated parties – particularly the
governments of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC – have protested their innocence.
I have researched violent extremism in Africa, especially its effects in
southern and central Africa. The unwillingness of ruling elites throughout
central Africa to accept responsibility for the war raises the question of what
needs to be done to promote peace and development.
A military option is clearly not adequate to address the deep-seated
historical, ethnic and resource-based fault lines throughout central Africa, as
they play out in the DRC. Relations between the presidents in the region, in
particular the DRC and Rwanda, have been strained because of this history.
To augment stabilisation measures, African leaders must pursue diplomatic
options. This includes an urgent ceasefire. It must be accompanied by
disengagement of forces and neutralising the rebel Democratic Forces for the
Liberation of Rwanda, which operates from the DRC. There must also be
confidence-building measures between the parties to the conflict.
Before we examine the options, let us unpack some of the UN report’s key
findings."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
