### Situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Decisive EAC Summit to Address Rising Tensions
The political climate in the Great Lakes region has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, culminating in the announcement of an extraordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) to address the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The convening, initiated by Kenyan President William Ruto, echoes a series of regional and international mediation failures, raising crucial questions about the effectiveness and future of regional solidarity mechanisms.
The announcement of this summit, scheduled within 48 hours, is full of expectations but also skepticism. Indeed, could the confirmed participation of Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, long seen as antagonists in this crisis, really pave the way for a constructive dialogue, or is it simply a diplomatic gesture? In the background, tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali continue to grow, exacerbated by accusations of Rwandan military support for the M23 armed group, which now controls significant portions of Congolese territory, exacerbating an already alarming humanitarian crisis.
### An Acute Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Dynamics
The situation in Goma, a strategic city that serves as a gateway to the Rwandan border, is particularly critical. With a population of one million, the city has become a center of displacement, attracting thousands of people fleeing the violence. The United Nations estimates that this conflict has caused at least 5.5 million internally displaced people in the DRC, one of the highest figures in the world. By comparison, the Syrian refugee crisis, which has lasted for over a decade, is often cited as the most concerning internationally, but the Congolese tragedy remains under the radar, probably due to geopolitical perceptions and the associated strategic stakes.
International interventions, although urgent, often prove inadequate in the face of complex realities on the ground. Paradoxically, the lack of effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, such as those led by MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC), gives way to regional initiatives, such as those of the EAC, which attempt to provide local responses to crises.
### The Paradoxes of Global Diplomacy
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently stepped up his calls for Rwandan forces to end their support for the M23 — a message that, while imperative, reflects the limitations of a diplomacy that is often far removed from regional dynamics. The response to the Congolese crisis therefore seems to be in the hands of local leaders whose motivations, often tinged with national or political interests, could compromise the search for a genuine solution.
In addition, an EAC summit addresses not only the military issue, but also the economic, social and political dimensions of the conflict. Historical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda are rooted in issues of natural resources, particularly minerals such as coltan and gold. This observation raises once again the question of how resources are managed in contexts of institutional weakness and deficient governance, and how this contributes to the emergence of armed conflicts.
### A New Vision for Regional Peace
Regional actors must therefore adopt a more holistic approach to addressing the crisis. This implies not only a military de-escalation, but also in-depth work on the root causes of conflicts. The creation of an independent commission of inquiry into the involvement of the various armed groups would be an important step towards transparency and could serve as a basis for informed negotiations.
In parallel, the involvement of civil society, often the first to feel the impacts of conflicts, should be strengthened in the discussions. Initiatives such as the formation of community dialogue forums could facilitate reconciliation between populations affected by violence, and introduce peaceful solutions from the same communities.
### Conclusion
As the international community watches developments in the DRC, the EAC Summit promises to be a potential turning point in the management of a conflict that has too often been treated superficially. The multidimensional issues that run through it require renewed attention and long-term commitment from African states as well as the international community. Recent history has shown the tragic consequences of a failure to listen to local voices—voices that, although drowned out by the noise of conflict, often hold the keys to lasting peace. In a context where every decision can impact millions of lives, it is imperative that leaders attending this summit make a firm commitment to charting a path towards a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.