Congo, plagued by internal and external conflicts for decades, is now in the news due to its participation in the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. These initiatives, respectively under the aegis of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union, aim to end the violence and restore stability in the region.
The Nairobi process, launched in April 2022, essentially aims to disarm armed groups operating in eastern Congo. Unfortunately, despite its laudable objectives, it faces funding difficulties and now seems to be losing momentum. Foreign armed groups are called upon to return voluntarily to their countries of origin, failing which coercive measures could be considered.
In parallel, the Luanda process, initiated by the African Union, has taken a more positive turn. Under the mediation of Angolan President João Lourenço, discussions have been held between the DRC and Rwanda to try to resolve tensions between the two countries. Despite significant progress, including the development of a draft agreement, it has not yet been signed, raising questions about its practical implementation.
Coordination between these two processes is crucial to ensure their success. A coordination meeting in Luanda led to the deployment of a regional force in the DRC to confront the M23 armed group. However, the effectiveness of this force has been questioned, highlighting the challenges facing peace processes in the region.
While the Nairobi process seems to be marking time, the Luanda process is staying the course, driven by the determination of the actors involved. Perseverance and political will will be essential to overcome the obstacles and achieve true reconciliation and pacification of the region.
In conclusion, the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes offer a glimmer of hope, but require sustained and concerted involvement of all stakeholders to ensure their success. The stability of the Congo and the Great Lakes region depend on it, making these initiatives key issues for the future of the entire region.