** Emergency of lasting peace: a plea for the reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of Congo **
On April 7, in Kinshasa, an urgent appeal for peace started, carried by the head of the UN mission for stabilization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco), Bintou Keita. In a meeting marked by the presence of women leaders and ambassadors of peace, she spoke of the imperative need for a cease-fire and respect for human rights, especially concerning violence against women and children. But beyond this declaration, an observation is essential: the situation in the DRC is symptomatic of much larger challenges which go beyond the boundaries of the country, involving historical regional dynamics and complex international governance.
### A context of persistent crisis
The DRC, rich in natural resources, is a paradox. With its fertile soil and its immense mining potential, the country remains in the grip of recurring armed conflicts which plunge its population into overwhelming poverty. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, nearly 5.4 million people are moved across the country following violence, including a majority of women and children. This phenomenon is not new; The scars left by the civil wars of the 1990s, caused by struggles for resource control, are always visible, and the cycle of violence has not been broken. Bintou Keita’s declaration then comes as a cry of distress, but also as an opportunity to reassess peace strategies.
### The roles of women in the peace process
It is undeniable that women play a central role in promoting peace. The president of the synergy of women of civil society (Syfes), Rose Mutshanga, underlined the significant contribution of Bintou Keita, which raises an interesting question: why and how are women essential actresses in conflict resolution? Studies show that the inclusion of women in peace processes significantly increases the chances of sustainability of agreements. Universities and NGOs agree that women bring unique perspectives and an essential collaborative approach for reconciliation and reconstruction.
In the DRC, their advocacy goes beyond the simple recommendations. It aims to build bridges between the various stakeholders, in particular the Congolese government, the Rwanda and the M23 movement, but also to the various international organizations. In other words, this is a holistic approach that examines not only the immediate causes of conflicts, but also the underlying structural inequalities that keep the country in a state of crisis.
### An interregional approach: an imperative
The strategic recommendations made by these women should not limit themselves to a national framework. An innovative angle would be to consider the role of regional dynamics in conflict resolution. Like the issues related to the exploitation of mineral resources, what would happen if the countries of the region (Rwanda, Uganda, Angola) could unite around a strategy of solidarity economic development, respecting human rights? This perspective could change the dynamics of dialogue by inviting all regional actors to joint collaboration.
An inspiring example could be that of the initiative of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL), which, despite its faults, offers a framework for cooperation and management of natural resources. The DRC could then be the economic lung, as long as internal conflicts and external interference are taken into account.
### Redefine humanitarian assistance
The question of humanitarian assistance is also to be paid with attention. In her speech, Bintou Keita spoke of the need for humanitarian aid to reach where it is most necessary. Currently, an action against hunger reveals that less than 30 % of the assistance actually arrives at people who need it in the DRC. A paradigm change is essential, integrating local communities into the design and implementation of assistance programs. The increase in access to Education and Care could give these same communities the tools to meet the challenges by themselves.
### Conclusion
While the sound of the bullets continues to resonate on Congolese lands, a movement asserts itself, carried by courageous women who call for a change. The voice of Bintou Keita and that of thousands of others must be followed by concrete actions. Sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite all its challenges, is possible, but requires an innovative, inclusive and conscious approach to regional issues. Humanity must answer this call, because on its decisions today will depend on the ability of tomorrow to build a bright future, both for the DRC and for the whole region of the Great Lakes.