# Congolese diplomacy to the conflict test: a resilience strategy?
On March 5, the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, received members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Kinshasa for an exchange around the security situation prevailing in the east of the country. This event, although Important on the diplomatic level, raises deeper questions concerning the position of the DRC in regional geopolitical dynamics, as well as on the effectiveness of international sanctions in the face of local issues.
## a disturbing security context
East of the DRC, already bruised by armed conflicts for decades, is a region where ethnic, economic and geostrategic issues are involved. The arrival of international sanctions targeting Rwanda, accused of military interference in the Congolese conflict, represents a crucial turning point in the struggle for lasting peace. However, although these sanctions were welcomed by Minister Kayikwamba, it is essential to wonder if they will be really effective in putting an end to this crisis.
Indeed, previous studies have shown that economic and diplomatic sanctions, although they can impose damage to the reputation and resources of a country, are not always enough to cause a change in behavior in targeted governments. According to a report by the International Crisis Group, sanctions had mixed results when applied without a support strategy including inclusive dialogue and proactive mediation.
## diplomacy as a resilience tool
The exchange of Thérèse Kayikwamba with the diplomatic corps can be considered an attempt to revitalize international cooperation, essential for the stabilization of the country. By emphasizing the importance of this cooperation, the Minister highlights an often neglected dimension: diplomacy as an instrument of resilience. However, the DRC must also consider powerful internal strategies, capable of strengthening its autonomy in the face of external influences.
An angle often omitted in these discussions on security and conflicts in Africa Great Lakes is the importance of the regeneration of civil society and local actors. Many reports show that community initiatives can offer lasting solutions, encouraging dialogue between the different parties. By supporting these local efforts, the Congolese government could both strengthen its international diplomatic action power and improve the situation on the ground.
# Towards durably balanced regional cooperation
At a time when tensions between DRC and Rwanda are exacerbated, another aspect deserves to be deepened: regional cooperation. The DRC is in a strategic geographical position, surrounded by countries with which it maintains fluctuating relationships. A comparative analysis of diplomatic relations in the region shows that the most effective peace initiatives often come from reinforced multilateralism.
Indeed, institutions such as the Eastern African Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes region could play a key role in facilitation of peace dialogues. The involvement of several actors in conflict resolution could make compromise that the bilateral processes are struggling to achieve. By turning to a more collaborative approach, the DRC could not only strengthen its diplomatic relations but also contribute to the collective security of the region.
## Conclusion: a way to explore
While the world looks at the DRC through the prism of its crises, it is urgent to consider diplomacy as an opportunity to build lasting peace based on principles of peaceful coexistence and inclusiveness. The words of Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, while being an important step, must be accompanied by concrete initiatives to support local actors and strengthen regional cooperation.
The future of the DRC does not only reside in the imposition of sanctions, but in the implementation of a resilience strategy which includes civil society and the international community in a collective approach towards a peaceful future. In this dynamic, Fatshimetrics will closely observe these developments to better inform the public about the challenges and hopes represented by Congolese diplomacy in the face of crises.