The conflict between the forces of the EAC (Community of East African States) and those of the SADC (Economic Community for the Development of Southern Africa) in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grow. This Monday, the extension of the mandate of the EAC soldiers was announced while, a few days earlier, the Congolese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs had affirmed that it would not be extended.
Furthermore, the arrival of SADC troops in the region raises questions. Currently occupied by EAC soldiers, where will these newcomers be able to deploy in their offensive mission against the M23 rebels? War specialists even fear an open confrontation between these two organizations, both invited by the authorities in Kinshasa.
In addition, the latest information indicates preparations by the M23 rebels to attack the city of Goma, capital of the province of North Kivu. Faced with this situation which could degenerate into an “imported” war, members of the Congolese executive demanded a firm condemnation of any attempt to relaunch hostilities.
This conflict comes six months before the presidential elections in a tense political and economic context. The DRC is indeed facing many challenges to ensure a peaceful transition, while the opposition denounces political relentlessness and the country faces a major challenge of economic development.
In this context, the question of the budget for public investments is particularly important. This is indeed a priority to promote sustainable and integrated development of the DRC. At the same time, projects such as CHRISNOVIC could enable the DRC to reconnect with growth by betting on new economic sectors, such as palm oil.
In conclusion, the DRC faces many challenges to ensure its political and economic future. The conflict in North Kivu, between EAC and SADC forces, seriously threatens regional stability and could degenerate into open war