** Crisis in the DRC: a new diplomatic impetus is taking shape with the appointment of international facilitators **
On March 24, 2025 marked a decisive step as part of the resolution of the persistent crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By bringing together the heads of state of the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), this meeting caused the appointment of three influential facilitators-Kgalema Motlanthe, Catherine Samba Panza and Sahle-Work Zewde. Each of them brings a richness of experience in the political field, which raises several questions about the efficiency and the potential impact of their interventions in a context of a deeply rooted crisis.
### A difficult panorama: inventory of the crisis
The crisis in the east of the DRC, which has persisted for decades, has accumulated political, economic and social tensions. The region is plagued by armed conflicts, inter -community violence and massive humanitarian challenges, exacerbated by the incessant exploitation of its natural resources. According to the World Bank 2023 report, the DRC is classified among the countries richest in mineral resources, while remaining one of the poorest countries in the world. This ironic reality highlights the urgency of a targeted and effective diplomatic intervention.
### Legitimacy of facilitators: a symbolic choice
Each of the new facilitators represents not only their country, but also a substantial political weight on the international scene. Kgalema Motlanthe, former president of South Africa, has already testified to his role in the democratic transition in South Africa and has an in -depth knowledge of regional dynamics. Catherine Samba Panza, having led the Central African Republic during a tumultuous period, brings a unique perspective on the challenges of governance in fragile contexts. Finally, Sahle-Work Zewde, recognized as the first woman president of Ethiopia, symbolizes the importance of female representation in the peace and reconciliation processes.
Their work will be facilitated by former president of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta and Olusegun Obasanjo, a veteran of the peace processes in Africa, who had already been appointed as facilitators within the framework of the processes of Nairobi and Luanda respectively. This raises the question: do these choices guarantee real help to the affected populations or simply a diplomatic upturn?
## towards an integrated approach: consensus or cacophony?
It is crucial to wonder to what extent this new team will really be able to agree on a common approach to treat the multiple facets of the crisis. The multiplicity of stakeholders could create inconsistencies in the proposed strategies, making it difficult to establish a sustainable consensus. An integrated approach is however imperative. Compared to other crises in Africa, such as the situation in South Sudan, it seems that the fragmentation of diplomatic efforts is a major obstacle to peace.
Statistics show that an increasing number of peace talks fail due to a lack of synergy between the various actors involved. For example, the processes in progress in Yemen have shown that coordination between the various factions is more effective when there is a clear action framework co-constructed.
### An opportunity for local engagement: do not zap the human factor
Beyond senior political leaders, there is a tangible need to include local voices in peace discussions. The commitment of affected communities is fundamental; Their lived experience can provide essential lighting for lasting solutions. Pilot projects, such as those led by local NGOs, show that the integration of community groups in the peace process not only promotes better acceptance of the solutions proposed, but also strengthens the resilience of populations.
### Conclusion: a glimmer of hope or a new obscure?
The assembly of these internationally recognized facilitators in the Congolese Eastern Crisis could mark a salutary turning point or a new obscure in an already tortuous path. The success of this initiative is based on the ability to go beyond the simple diplomatic maneuvers and to establish an inclusive dialogue which involves all the actors concerned, really putting at the center of the discussion the suffering of the populations. In short, much more than a simple formal process, it is imperative that this new cycle of interventions is an opportunity to build a lasting peace, nourished by common commitments of listening and respect between all actors, whether national or international.