** DRC: Towards a political opening to resolve the conflict in the East? **
In a context in which the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the theater of incessant violence, the call for political openness issued by Carbon Beni, a key actor in civil society and co -founder of the Citizen Filimbi movement, resonates as a cry of hope in the face of a complex reality. On March 10, during a striking declaration, Beni stressed the urgency to adopt an inclusive political approach to resolve the chronic tensions that ravage this region. But beyond the simple observation, it is necessary to explore the deep implications of this selection of a political method on an environment already strongly imbued with humanitarian crises and inter-ethnic tensions.
### A three -part strategic approach
Far from being an abstract proposal, the idea that Beni advances revolves around three components: diplomatic, political and citizen. Each of these dimensions requires special attention. On the one hand, the diplomatic component must include negotiations with neighboring nations, possibly incorporating influential actors such as the African Union or the United Nations. The extreme instability of the region, exacerbated by external interventions, makes diplomacy a vital tool.
On the other hand, inclusive political and social dialogue, proposed by Beni, initiates reflection on current forms of governance. Many research shows that conflicts are often the result of a systematic exclusion of certain voices or communities. By integrating all stakeholders, including marginalized groups, the DRC could not only advance towards a resolution but also build the basics of a more resilient society. This process could also involve the construction of mediation mechanisms which promote listening and development of consensus.
Beyond the geopoliticians and institutions, the citizen component must also be reinforced. Here, a comparison with other contexts of conflict resolution, such as the peace process in Colombia, can be enlightening. In Colombia, the inclusion of local communities in discussions made it possible to reach sustainable agreements. Why could the DRC not be inspired by such experiences, placing the voices of those who live the war at the center of discussions?
### Sanctions: a narrow presence
Support for international sanctions against Rwanda, mentioned by Beni, is an essential aspect of his analysis. However, it is relevant to wonder if short -term measures are enough to modify the regional dynamics. Can sanctions certainly send a strong signal, but at what cost for civilian populations? Experience shows that economic sanctions can sometimes worsen the most vulnerable suffering. Instead of focusing only on punitive measures, why not consider incentives to promote constructive change? The establishment of a framework conducive to free and democratic elections in Rwanda could help stabilize the region, but also strengthen the legitimacy of all international action.
### towards sustainable release: the example of democracy
The struggle for a “real democracy” in Rwanda, as Beni points out, embodies a crucial question that goes beyond the borders of the DRC. By examining the results of the elections spent in East Africa, it appears that authoritarian regimes, although popular at times, often flee internal disputes. Free elections are not only a mechanism for political transition, they can serve as a foundation for a strong national identity and social cohesion, vital elements in a context where ethnic cleavage has long fueled conflicts.
It is therefore the duty of actors of civil society, like those of the Filimbi movement, to continue to promote this dialogue accompanied by concrete means to initiate a positive transformation within African societies in general and Rwandan in particular. In this spirit, by supporting the creation of platforms for inter -community and inter -community dialogue, we could see innovative solutions emerged, carried by those who live the daily reality of conflicts.
### Conclusion: a future to build
The path to a peaceful resolution of conflict in eastern DRC is strewn with pitfalls. However, with actors such as Carbon Beni calling for a renewal of political approaches, the potential for a better future exists. By combining targeted sanctions, inclusive dialogues and an aspiration to build the basics of a true democracy, the DRC and its neighbors could not only find an alternative path to peace, but also lay the milestones of a systemic change. The international community must then play its role, not by imposing external agendas, but by supporting the sovereignty of the peoples which aspire to live in peace.