### Diplomacy of the great region of the Great Lakes: a fragile balance
Maxime Prévot’s recent visit, Vice-Prime Minister and Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is part of a complex regional context. After meeting the leaders of Uganda and Burundi, Prévot concluded his journey in Kinshasa with crucial discussions on the current crisis with Rwanda. This highlights the delicate diplomacy that Belgium and other international actors must navigate in this region marked by instability.
### A context steeped in history
To understand the current dynamics between the DRC, Rwanda and armed groups such as M23, the historical roots of this conflict must be examined. Relations between the DRC and Rwanda have been tarnished by decades of tensions, fueled by ethnic, political and economic issues. The Rwandan Civil War of the 1990s had devastating repercussions on the DRC, with millions of dead and massive displacements of populations. This story is essential to grasp the present frictions and the urgency of a peaceful resolution.
## Recent developments encouraged
During his visit, Maxime Prévot congratulated the efforts made by Qatar and the United States which led to an agreement in principle between Kinshasa, the rebels of the M23 and Kigali. Recently, peace negotiations have opened a path which, we hope, could help appease violence in eastern DRC. However, the optimism expressed by Prévot is tempered by a call for vigilance. This balanced perspective is essential in diplomacy, especially in situations where the effects of agreements can take some time to materialize.
### The singularity of the Belgian approach
Prévot insisted on the need for a differentiated approach compared to other international actors often qualified as “transactional”. This reflection raises important questions about the role of foreign powers in Africa. By avoiding “draining” the resources of the DRC, Belgium seems to want to establish a relationship based on mutual respect and sustainable cooperation. However, this is also based on the DRC’s ability to manage its own resources and internal conflicts.
### The importance of local initiatives
Another point raised by the Belgian Minister is the importance of including national initiatives in crisis resolution. This leads to reflect on the ability of local actors to be engines of change in their own contexts. The solutions imposed from the outside often may not take into account local specificities, which are essential for the construction of lasting peace.
### Conclusion: to an uncertain future
The situation in the Great Lakes region is a perfect example of the multidimensional challenges posed by contemporary diplomacy. Between complex history, unstable benchmarks and the need for an integrated dialogue between nations and local populations, the path is strewn with pitfalls. However, recent discussions between the DRC leaders and intermediation efforts must be closely followed, in order to assess their real impact on the ground.
The hope of a sustainable resolution still seems fragile, but the fact that international actors like Belgium adopt a nuanced and worried approach at the same time is an essential recall of shared responsibilities. The challenges that are played are vast and deserve reflection and attention, both local and international. It is crucial that each step towards peace is carefully examined, not only to avoid obstacles, but also to build a collective future that benefits everyone.