** Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a new diplomatic-military approach **
On March 14, 2025, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi expressed support for the Angolan initiative aimed at negotiating directly with the rebels of the M23, an approach that brings a significant potential for the appeasement of a region with chronic suffering. This announcement, while being an advance on the diplomatic front, raises a range of questions concerning the effectiveness of military solutions in the face of prolonged humanitarian crises.
### A new negotiation framework
Hostilities in the east of the DRC intensified, with the M23, supported by Rwanda, continuing to lead offensives against the armed forces of the DRC (FARDC). The initiative of João Lourenço, Angolan president, to bring together the actors involved in this conflict is part of a long -beaten setting by diplomatic drums. However, she seems to ask the question: ** Can the peace agreements really impose himself without concrete measures on the ground? **
### A prolonged crisis
To better understand the issues, it is crucial to examine recent conflict data. According to the Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office (OCHA), more than 5 million people in the DRC are in force, and the living conditions of the local population have never been so precarious. The persistence of clashes in the east of the country has exacerbated an already critical situation, where health centers and food infrastructure are trimenting by violence.
### Comparison with past crises
In comparison, the peace process in Colombia, a term often quoted by analysts in contemporary conflicts, required almost a decade of negotiations and implementation of agreements before reaching a semblance of lasting peace. The conflict in the DRC, with its complex ethnic, economic and political roots, seems to be locked in a similar cycle of distrust, manipulation and insecurity.
## outside the actors
Through the initiative of Lourenço, we also see the growing commitment of neighboring nations in the resolution of regional conflicts. Geopolitical issues, often linked to the natural resources of the DRC, add a layer of complexity. The role of Rwanda, for example, is often described as ambiguous, oscillating between support for armed groups and participation in dialogues of peace. This double game could dilute the pressure on the M23, which raises questions about the sincerity of the intentions of regional actors.
### The importance of concrete actions
Félix Tshisekedi highlighted the need to translate the decisions taken in Luanda into palpable actions on the ground. However, this assertion comes up against the reality of the disengagement of the international community, often slow to react to predictable failures. Despite formal peace agreements, field actions must involve a readjustment of security prospects, in particular by strengthening the lean military capacities of the FARDC.
### towards sustainable reconciliation
To create a lasting balance, it is imperative to articulate an answer which is not only limited to a military repression, but favors a holistic approach including economic development, national reconciliation and the strengthening of civil society. Investment in resilience programs in affected communities can be decisive. Developing interethnic dialogues and rehabilitation initiatives could, in the long term, help build the foundations of lasting peace, offering an alternative to violence.
### Conclusion
The struggle for peace in eastern DRC is more than a simple condemnation of violence; It requires an integrated approach, mobilizing local, regional and international actors. The Angolan initiative, although promising, must be supported by concrete actions and a long -term commitment to provide a significant change. The hope of lasting peace should not follow the path of many other agreements ratified in vain. It is the collective responsibility of leaders and international organizations to ensure that this time, promises are reflected in tangible results on the ground.