** Fusion of Luanda and Nairobi processes: a new dynamic of peace in Central Africa? **
The recent joint summit of heads of state and government of the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC) and the Eastern African Community (EAC), held in Dar-Es-Salaam, brand A significant turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The fusion of the processes of Luanda and Nairobi, which aims to harmonize the efforts of mediation between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rebel groups, could well be a catalyst for a sustainable resolution of the conflict which ravages the east of the DRC, but its effectiveness is not only based on political decisions.
### a complex historical context
To grasp the importance of this merger, it is essential to recall that the conflict in the DRC has deep historical roots, exacerbated by ethnic, political and economic tensions. Since the Congo wars in the late 1990s, different armed groups, such as M23, have emerged in a chronic instability environment. The rebellion of the M23, supported by Rwanda, exacerbated tensions with Kinshasa, causing cycles of violence that make thousands of victims and move millions of people.
The Luanda and Nairobi process has been set up to try to create conditions conducive to dialogue between the belligerent parties. However, the multiplication of parallel processes has often led to confusion and without success. Recent merger seems to want to avoid these pitfalls by strengthening the coordination and complementarity of interventions.
### Evaluation of issues
** The need for a unified vision **: by bringing these two processes together, the Dar-Es-Salaam summit took a crucial step towards a harmonized peace strategy. However, this raises an important question: are current mediation mechanisms adapted to the realities on the ground?
Safety and conflict experts point out that any initiative must be accompanied by a fine understanding of local dynamics. For example, the historical approach to diplomacy between states does not always take into account the needs and aspirations of local communities affected by the conflict. For this merger to bear fruit, it is imperative to include local voices in the decision and mediation process. These actors can provide innovative and realistic solutions that could otherwise be omitted.
### Easy and complexity: both sides of successful mediation
** Additional facilitators **: The call to the African Union to designate additional facilitators is a particularly interesting aspect of this resolution. He underlines the recognition that the peace process in Africa cannot be confined to regional actors only. The internationalization of mediation via experienced facilitators of other parts of the continent can contribute to a more holistic and diversified approach. That said, experience shows that a successful mediation requires an intimate understanding of local cultures and dynamics, which can prove to be contradictory when the process is perceived as too external.
### A missed opportunity?
Nevertheless, beyond political decisions, it is crucial to look into the reality on the ground, where many victims of the conflict remain invisible in negotiations. Women, for example, are often the first affected by violence and displaced, but their voice remains marginalized in high -level discussions. Peace initiatives that do not take into account this reality are likely to reproduce unequal power structures and compromise long -term reconciliation efforts.
### to a lasting balance
The implementation of the concept of operations (Conops) to neutralize FDLRs and the lifting of defensive measures aims to create a clear operational framework. However, the clarity of military operations must be accompanied by a solid socio-economic action plan to treat the deep causes of the conflict. The socio-economic development of affected areas, in particular through education and job creation, is essential to gain the support of local communities and establish lasting peace.
### Conclusion
While the Dar-Es-Salaam summit opens a new era of mediation for the DRC, it is vital to promote an integrated approach that places the needs of people at the heart of peace discussions. The combination of daring political decisions and an authentic commitment to local communities may well be the winning formula for a sustainable conflict resolution in the east of the DRC. More than a simple fusion of processes, this initiative must become a revolution in the way of approaching peace in Central Africa.
In short, if African leaders have finally decided to unite their efforts, it is up to us to ensure that this union turns into real success on the field, defining a strategy that transcends state interest to generate truly sustainable peace. In the coming days, attention will focus on the ability of these leaders to transform their intentions into concrete actions for the benefit of the most vulnerable.
* Fatshimetry* will closely follow the developments in this situation in order to provide relevant and informed analyzes on future outlines.