### Conflict in the DRC: Towards a redefinition of diplomatic relations in the Great Lakes region of Africa?
While the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a tragic level with a provisional death toll of 3,000 in Goma, the diplomatic tension between Kinshasa and Kigali highlights complex issues that transcend borders and political discourse. The tour of Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC, to Brussels to raise awareness in the European Union (EU) and Belgium of the worrying situation in her country, testifies to a desperate search for international support in the face of systemic violence that seems, for many, diluted in global indifference.
The helplessness felt among Congolese decision-makers is part of a broader framework: that of a tacit agreement of non-intervention by the international community in conflicts that many consider “internal” despite their transnational implications. This situation raises the crucial question of international responsibility and human rights protection mechanisms in contexts of armed conflict. Indeed, when the Rwandan armed forces and the M23 rebel group are accused of being responsible for killings as widespread as those reported in Goma, it is legitimate to ask: what is the European Union waiting for to actually intervene?
### Diplomacy in peril
During the talks, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner made her voice heard by highlighting the EU’s slowness to act in the face of apparent aggression. In particular, she called for a reconsideration of the foundations of international law, citing the lack of repercussions for “evil states”. She thus recalls a precariousness that is becoming increasingly palpable not only for the DRC, but also for the legitimacy of international institutions that delegate their decision-making power to fluctuating geopolitical considerations.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, for his part, reported shared frustration within the EU over the delays in implementing sanctions, which several analysts said could be seen as a half-hearted approach to a growing threat. This lack of response to sanctions highlights internal opposition over the EU’s position on Rwanda, which, despite damning UN reports, remains a strategic partner for many European countries..
### Rethinking the approach to international cooperation
It is all the more crucial, in the face of these tensions, to ask the question: how could the current framework of international cooperation be revised to respond more effectively to humanitarian crises in Africa and elsewhere? One possibility would be a more decentralized approach, allowing the states most affected by the conflict to benefit from stronger direct support in the face of the indifference of their neighbors.
Examples of successful regional cooperation, such as that of the African Union in peace negotiations, open a potential path towards more autonomous crisis management by African countries themselves. The countries of the Great Lakes region could consider a common security mechanism that would take into account not only political issues, but also the economic and social considerations that often fuel conflicts.
### The impact of international perception
Finally, a key element often overlooked is the impact of international perceptions on local dynamics. Strong support for regimes as strategic partners can indirectly strengthen their power even in the face of aggression. A more balanced focus on human rights violations could allow for more rigorous self-assessment by governments in the region, fostering an environment of accountability that translates into concerted action.
As the fighting in Goma continues to wreak havoc, it is imperative to move beyond a static diplomatic framework, where states are often caught up in selfish economic interests and geopolitical considerations. The DRC, facing yet historical challenges, could be a catalyst to relaunch a broader discussion on international security, human engagement and the right to a life in peace – goals that, if supported properly, could also elevate the EU’s role to a new level of moral and diplomatic responsibility.
Ultimately, the current situation in the DRC is not just a question of armed conflict, it is a call for a fundamental overhaul of international relations, where indifference could give way to a genuine commitment to justice and peace.