** A diplomacy in action: the tracks of lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo **
The recent meeting between Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo, and Maxime Patrick Robert Albert Prévot, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister, highlights the urgency of finding lasting solutions to the security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular in its eastern region, where tensions have persisted for decades.
### Historical and safe context
For almost thirty years, the east of the DRC has been the scene of armed conflicts linked to local power struggles, ethnic rivalries and external influence, notably Rwanda. The resurgence of armed groups, such as M23, and the complexity of relations between Kinshasa and Kigali underline the importance of a concerted approach. In this context, the support of countries like Belgium to Togolese mediation proves that the international community recognizes the importance of regional solutions.
### The Togolese approach and international support
The Togo initiative, led by Robert Dussey, emphasizes an inclusive mediation that favors listening and dialogue. This represents a significant advance in a diplomatic landscape often marked by attempts at imposed solutions. Belgium’s assertive support, as evidenced by the statements of its Minister of Foreign Affairs, underlines the commitment of Europe to collaborate with local actors to promote peace. This positioning raises several questions: how to achieve real synergy between the various current peace initiatives? And what measures can be implemented to ensure effective follow -up?
## A integration of peace initiatives
Reunion in Lomé, involving African dignitaries from various horizons, represents an attempt to converge peace efforts. The initiatives of Nairobi and Luanda, as well as the panel of SADC and EAC facilitators, show a desire for harmonization which, if it is well orchestrated, could strengthen the legitimacy and efficiency of the approaches undertaken. However, the question remains as to the way in which these various initiatives can coordinate without harming, in a context where several international actors, such as the European Union, also express their interest.
### A global approach
While external initiatives, such as those of the Washington and Doha processes, gain visibility, it is crucial not to neglect the importance of regional efforts. The latter are often better calibrated to understand the complexity of local dynamics. The support of the European Union, as pointed out by ambassador Johan Borgstam, could be pivotal in this quest for sustainable peace. This raises the question of the way in which regional and international partnerships can be articulated to strengthen the effect of local interventions.
### to a constructive dialogue
The inclusive approach, advocated by African mediators, and international support come together, however, within the same challenge: the need for a constructive dialogue which integrates the votes of local civil society. The question is how to effectively involve these often marginalized actors, while guaranteeing real legitimacy to peace processes.
### Conclusion
The security situation in eastern DRC requires continuous attention and concerted action, which can go through harmonized and inclusive mediation policies. In this context, the partnership between African nations and those of the outside can offer innovative solutions. By cultivating an open dialogue and regional cooperation, it is possible to set milestones for lasting peace. This complex and essential task requires cooperation not only of governments, but also of the various actors of society, to restore hope to the populations affected by years of conflict.
In the end, the challenge is to transform these discussions into concrete actions, capable of changing the fate of a region long abandoned to insecurity. The future of the eastern DRC may depend on the ability of its leaders to work together, in a spirit of understanding and mutual respect.