** Dialogue as a tool of peace: analysis of Doha’s meetings between Kigali and Kinshasa **
The trilateral meeting of Doha, which brought together the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the mediation of the Emir Qatari, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, represents a significant step in the search for peace in the complex region of the Great Lakes. While the press release from the President of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, praised this initiative by emphasizing the commitment of the two heads of state in favor of an immediate cease-fire, it is relevant to question the real implications of this dialogue and the challenges that persist.
### A troubled historical and socio-political context
To better understand the challenges of this meeting, it is essential to underline the troubled history between Rwanda and the DRC. These two countries, which share a border of more than 1,500 km long, were marked by recurring conflicts, including the 1996 war and the 2004 rebellion, as well as the presence of armed groups in the east of the DRC. The conflictual dynamic is exacerbated by ethnic tensions, political rivalries, and economic interests linked to the natural resources of the region.
The east of the DRC is rich in resources, ranging from strategic minerals to agricultural land, making it a field of conflicts of interest often intertwined. The rebels of the M23, supported by Rwanda, established control over key areas like Goma and Bukavu, exacerbating geopolitical tension. Therefore, the promise of dialogue in Doha cannot be seen as a panacea but rather as a step in a long and tortuous process of conflict resolution.
### Dialogue as a commitment strategy
Doha’s meeting highlights dialogue as an essential strategy to engage the actors in a sustained peace process. The recent declarations of the two presidents, pleading for a ceasefire and respect for past commitments, reveal a desire to get out of the military dead end. This approach is not new in international diplomacy; It is even frequently mentioned in latent conflict contexts.
However, it is crucial to question the nature of the leaders’ commitment during such summits. If membership in the principles of dialogue and negotiation is a promising step forward, the real outcome will depend on the capacity of managers to translate these promises into concrete actions. Previous meetings, including the spouse’s spouse EAC-SADC, have shown that verbal concord is not synonymous with tangible results.
### Statistics vs. Symptom: the weight of unique commitments
By looking at the statistics of conflicts in the DRC, it clearly appears that instability remains endemic despite the multiple peace initiatives. According to data compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, the East of the DRC experienced a 20 % increase in violence linked to armed groups in 2022 compared to the previous year. This phenomenon illustrates the persistent fragility of the ceases already established and underlines the need for a real political will to prevent this commitment from becoming a simple verbal formality.
By adding the regional perspective, the commitment of the two leaders in Doha must be coordinated not only with the AU but also with the community security initiatives which take root in the local socio-economic fabric. Far from being an isolated solution, the dialogue must be part of a regional cooperation framework which includes international and local actors.
### Conclusion
In short, Doha’s meeting represents a potential turning point in managing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. The support displayed by the African Union and the moderating role of Qatar provide a dynamic favorable to the search for a peaceful solution. However, it remains to be seen whether the commitments made in Doha will materialize in concrete actions in the field. Sustainable hopes of peace require a sincere political will, a mutual commitment to stakeholders and coordination between regional and international efforts.
At this stage, it is imperative that leaders do not limit their action to symbolic gestures, but that they transform their dialogue into a concrete response to crises that affect their nations and, by extension, the integrity of the Great Lakes region. Because beyond words, the appeal of peace is a collective project that requires courage and a flawless commitment.