### Towards a lasting peace in the DRC: the key role of regional mediations in a context of increasing tensions
On March 19, the world observed a glimmer of hope within the framework of the complex conflict that shakes the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, played the intermediaries in a trilateral meeting bringing together Congolese presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandais Paul Kagame. This summit has not only aroused marked reactions, but it has also highlighted the growing importance of regional mediations in a global landscape of tensions.
### A complex geopolitical context
The Eastern DRC security crisis, largely fueled by the rebellion of the March 23 movement (M23) supported by Rwanda, is symptomatic of the strategic challenges encountered by many developing countries. Conflicts in Africa often underpin an entanglement of historical, political and economic factors. Rwanda, with its painful past, perceives stability in the DRC as a vital necessity for its own security. Thus, the tension between these two nations becomes a reflection of the failures of regional diplomacy for past decades.
### Qatar: a new actor on the diplomatic scene
Qatari mediation in this context deserves special attention. Qatar, often perceived as an actor isolated in the Middle East, has imposed itself as an effective mediator in various regional conflicts, notably in Palestine and Yemen. By calling on its diplomatic skills to interfere in the Congolese crisis, Qatar redefines its role on the international scene. The meeting of March 18 also highlights the opportunity that Qatar has to acquire increased legitimacy in contexts very far from its terroir.
Here, the importance of a direct dialogue becomes crucial, as Antonio Guterres points out. The Qatari experience contributes to the construction of a dynamic where local mediations take up the ascendancy on the top-down approach often imposed by extra-regional actors. However, this strategy also raises questions about the balance of the forces present and the capacity of African countries to initiate dialogues without external taxes.
### The challenges of a concerted implementation
If the summit offers a new breath, the effective implementation of the decisions taken remains the major challenge. Respect for the ceasefire agreed at the EAC-SADC spouse summit, which took place in February 2025, requires not only the political will of the leaders concerned, but also a commitment from the international community. The withdrawal of the M23 and the Rwandan forces is imperative, but the historical dynamics between Kinshasa and Kigali complicates and sometimes makes it impossible a disinterested withdrawal at first.
### to a stabilized regional dynamic?
The merger of the Luanda and Nairobi processes, encouraged by the United Nations, reflects an attempt to synchronize several relevant initiatives. This amalgam is essential because it will minimize the horses of effort and optimize international and local resources. It is time to ask the question: what statistics, what trends, what results to measure to guarantee that these processes are really effective?
The DRC, with its natural wealth, represents an immense economic potential for its neighbors and for the region of Central Africa. In light of this, a peaceful security framework would not only be beneficial for the country itself, but also for neighboring nations whose economy is often linked to fluctuations in Congolese stability. The fact that Goma and Bukavu experienced an escalation of violence due to the M23 taken attests to the need to adopt concrete preventive measures. Statistics on the growth rate, market instability and inflation in these disaster areas speak for themselves.
### In conclusion: a call for collective responsibility
The tensions between the DRC and Rwanda recall that peace is a fragile good, often darken by unclicked historical injuries. The invitation of the international community to support mediation efforts, in particular through the UN mission in the DRC, underlines the shared responsibility that we all have in the face of the search for a pacified future in Africa.
It is imperative that local actors take charge of their destiny, while taking into account the teachings of the past. Dialogue initiatives like that of March 18 constitute a glimmer of hope. However, they require constant vigilance and sincere commitment to transform this opportunity into lasting peace. In the end, the question remains: how far are African nations ready to go to really appropriate their way to reconciliation? The ball is in the camp of their leaders.