** The regional cooperative: a necessity in African diplomacy **
The recent diplomatic dialogue between President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço, hailed by the Belgian envoy Marc Pecsteen, once again highlights the complex challenges that the African continent must take up in his interstate relations and the management of conflicts. Indeed, the situation in the DRC, exacerbated by the threat of the rebels of the M23, does not only echo questions of national sovereignty, but also underlines the importance of a regional cooperative framework for a sustainable resolution of crises.
### A diplomacy accentuated by the regionalaries
The first perception of such an encounter could be to consider immediate issues: the need to end the assault and the search for lasting peace. However, it is essential to analyze the regional dynamics that intertwine in these discussions in the longer term. The DRC, rich in natural resources, is often perceived as a prey by various actors, which instills a mutual distrust which complicates consensus. Here, the presence of Belgium, as a former colonizer, brings an additional dimension to the negotiating table.
Marc Pecsteen has effectively highlighted the importance of a constructive dialogue of the DRC, but one can also wonder about the role to play by neighboring republics. Whether by organizations such as the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC) or the common and southern African market (COMESA), the creation of a forum where nations can discuss not only conflicts but also economic opportunities, seems not only desirable but necessary.
### Supporting statistics: the need for collective intervention
In terms of regional cooperation, the figures speak for themselves. According to data from the African Union, conflicts in sub -Saharan Africa have not only a tragic human cost – 52 million people were moved at the end of 2022 – but also have a direct economic impact. The countries affected by conflicts lose an average of 2.7 % of their GDP per year. On the other hand, nations that collaborate in security and trade are tend to record average economic growth rates 3 % higher than their isolated counterparts.
If we take into account intra-African trade, which represents only about 15 % of the total continent trade, it is obvious that a permeable cooperative framework could also open ways to new sources of income and stability.
## The risks of neutrality and the appeal to action
Going to negotiations, as the Belgian envoy is pointed out, is crucial, but it is only a first step. Local, regional and international actors must understand that passive neutrality in the face of aggression is not enough. Belgium is positioned as a strong ally, but it is time that other African countries are also committed to becoming active mediators, thus avoiding the trap of external dependence.
Mediation of Angola, although applaudy, must be reinforced by the intervention of other countries in the region. The history of Africa shows that conflicts are repeated without concerted intervention. The model of the Organization of African Unity (OUA), today enriched by the African Union (AU), must evolve towards more dynamic and reactive structures, capable of anticipating crises.
In conclusion, the dialogue between the DRC and Angola, supported by the international community, is promising. However, it should not obscure the need for a more holistic and regional approach to guarantee long -term peace. The future of the DRC – and that of the whole region of the Great Lakes – could depend not only on peace negotiations, but especially on the collective will to build a cooperative space, where diplomacy is not only used to solve disputes, but also to create mutual development bridges. It is only by adopting this inclusive and resilient vision that peace will be able to anchor permanently on this rich and diverse continent.