By Oloo Janak
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is once again at a breaking point. The fall of Goma and the spread of violence into North and South Kivu have deepened an already devastating humanitarian crisis. Civilians are caught in the crossfire of an escalating war fueled by ethnic tensions, geopolitical rivalries, and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources. The suffering—mass displacement, famine, and rampant sexual and gender-based violence—demands a swift and decisive response from African leaders.
Yet, despite regional efforts, including the upcoming EAC-SADC Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam, meaningful action remains elusive. The reality is that Africa’s response to the crisis has been too slow, too fragmented, and too often reactive rather than proactive. Political leaders must recognize that this is not just a Congolese problem—it is a regional emergency threatening peace, stability, and economic cooperation across East and Southern Africa.
A Crisis Beyond Borders
The DRC conflict is no longer confined within national boundaries. The hostilities between neighboring states, particularly Rwanda and the DRC, have escalated tensions across the Great Lakes region, threatening to drag multiple countries into direct confrontation. This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a geopolitical powder keg that could ignite a broader regional war.
History has taught us that ignoring conflicts in their early stages only allows them to metastasize. The failure to contain past crises—whether in Sudan, Somalia, or the Central African Republic—has resulted in prolonged instability and the destruction of entire economies. If the current situation in the DRC is not urgently addressed, the consequences will be felt far beyond its borders.
What Must Be Done?
While diplomatic statements and ceasefire agreements are necessary, they are not enough. Africa’s leadership must move beyond empty rhetoric and deliver real solutions. There are clear steps that must be taken immediately.
1. Stop the Hate Speech That Fuels War
Violence in the DRC has always been intertwined with ethnic divisions and political propaganda. Leaders, media, and influential figures must cease inflammatory rhetoric that fuels animosity and lays the groundwork for mass atrocities. Africa has seen the devastating consequences of unchecked hate speech—from the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 to more recent ethnic clashes. It is time for the AU, EAC, and SADC to establish zero tolerance for inflammatory rhetoric and hold those responsible accountable.
2. Strengthen Diplomacy—And Enforce It
The Luanda Roadmap (2022) and Nairobi Process (2022) were designed to bring peace, yet their implementation remains weak. The DRC government must engage in inclusive, structured negotiations that involve all stakeholders—including non-state armed groups. But diplomacy must also be enforceable. Violators of peace agreements—whether states or militias—must face clear consequences, including sanctions and restrictions on funding sources.
3. Implement a Ceasefire That Actually Works
A ceasefire without enforcement is meaningless. Past agreements have collapsed because there was no independent monitoring to ensure compliance. EAC and SADC must establish an independent ceasefire monitoring mechanism that is backed by regional enforcement. The UN Sanctions Regime for DRC (Resolution 1533, 2004) must be applied against all actors violating peace agreements.
4. Get Humanitarian Aid to Those Who Need It
The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Goma and other affected areas is beyond dire. Hunger, disease, and displacement have reached crisis levels. Yet, aid agencies continue to face access restrictions and security threats. African leaders must demand unhindered humanitarian access and immediate restoration of essential services like water, healthcare, and electricity. The African Union’s Kampala Convention (2009) on Internally Displaced Persons must be fully implemented, alongside the Geneva Conventions and UN Guidelines on Internal Displacement.
5. Protect Civilians and Those Who Speak the Truth
Civilians, especially women and children, are the primary victims of this war. They must be protected under UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace, and Security. Additionally, human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors must not be targeted, silenced, or criminalized for exposing the truth. Attacks on aid workers and independent voices are war crimes under the Rome Statute of the ICC (1998, Article 8), and African leaders must ensure that perpetrators face justice.
6. Address the Root Causes of the Conflict
The DRC’s vast natural wealth has been both a blessing and a curse. Armed groups continue to illegally exploit minerals, financing war through the illicit trade of gold, coltan, and diamonds. Regional leaders must introduce governance mechanisms to regulate resource extraction, cut off illegal arms supplies, and prevent regional actors from profiting from the conflict. Without economic and political reform, the cycle of violence will persist.
7. Make Local Peacebuilding a Priority
While high-level negotiations are crucial, peace cannot be dictated from boardrooms alone. Community-driven conflict resolution is just as important. Grassroots peacebuilding initiatives, led by civil society and local leaders, have proven successful in stabilizing volatile regions. The DRC must initiate a genuine national dialogue that involves local communities, women, and youth, ensuring that peace efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
8. Enforce Accountability—End Impunity
Too often, those responsible for war crimes in the DRC operate with total impunity. African institutions must hold both state and non-state actors accountable. Targeted sanctions, legal action, and economic restrictions must be imposed on those who continue to destabilize the region. If the DRC and Rwanda are found complicit in fueling violence, regional mechanisms must demand accountability.
Africa Cannot Afford to Wait
The crisis in Eastern DRC is a defining test of Africa’s leadership. Will the continent’s leaders act decisively to prevent another prolonged war, or will they stand by as another humanitarian catastrophe unfolds?
History will judge not by words, but by actions. The time for hesitation and half-measures is over. Africa must demonstrate bold leadership, unity, and an unshakable commitment to peace.
Now, more than ever, the people of the DRC—and the entire region—need action.
About the Author
