The Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been plagued by conflict for decades, leading to immense human suffering and widespread instability in the region.

The situation has only worsened in recent years, with militia groups and external forces continuing to vie for control over the region’s wealth of natural resources. 

The DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces have borne the brunt of this violence, resulting in displacement, human rights abuses, and a fragile security environment.

As the conflict rages on, there is an urgent need for a ceasefire, and African leaders must take a united stand to prevent further escalation.

The Human Cost and Escalating Violence

Eastern DRC has long been a battleground for armed groups seeking to control valuable resources such as gold, coltan, and tin, as well as to gain political leverage. The presence of rebel groups, including the notorious M23, the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces), and others, has made it difficult for the Congolese government to establish authority and protect civilians.

These groups often engage in violent tactics, including attacks on civilians, recruitment of child soldiers, and the use of terror to maintain control.

The toll on the population has been staggering, with millions displaced and entire communities shattered by violence.

International peacekeeping efforts, including the United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), have struggled to quell the violence, and diplomatic interventions have largely failed to bring about lasting peace.

Despite various ceasefire agreements over the years, the underlying issues—such as ethnic tensions, competition over resources, and the lack of effective governance have continued to fuel the conflict. The ongoing instability not only threatens the DRC but also destabilizes neighboring countries, exacerbating regional insecurity.

The Urgent Need for a Ceasefire

A ceasefire is the first critical step toward reducing violence and creating an environment conducive to dialogue and peacebuilding.

For the DRC to move beyond this cycle of violence, a sustained ceasefire must be agreed upon and adhered to by all parties involved, including the Congolese government, armed groups, and neighboring countries with vested interests in the region.

However, a ceasefire is not merely a temporary cessation of hostilities. It must be part of a broader peace process that includes a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as resource control, governance failures, and regional rivalries.

Without a real commitment to peace, a ceasefire could simply delay the inevitable resumption of violence. Thus, a ceasefire must be paired with robust mechanisms to ensure that peace building initiatives are fully implemented, humanitarian aid can reach affected populations, and civilians are protected from further harm.

A United Front from African Leaders

One of the key obstacles to peace in the DRC has been the fragmented approach to addressing the conflict. The involvement of external actors often with competing interests has only complicated efforts to find a lasting solution.

African leaders, however, are in a unique position to leverage regional diplomacy and cooperation to bring about meaningful change.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) should take the lead in closely monitoring the situation in Eastern DRC.

These regional organizations have a vested interest in the stability of the region and can provide a unified voice to encourage all parties to respect the ceasefire and engage in constructive dialogue.

SADC and EAC can work together to ensure that peace agreements are respected, while also providing technical and logistical support to facilitate post-conflict reconstruction and stability.

A united front from African leaders is essential in preventing the further spread of violence across the continent. As the DRC conflict continues to have regional ramifications, it is crucial that neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, work collaboratively to prevent the fueling of conflict through support for armed groups and militia factions.

African leaders must understand that instability in one part of the continent inevitably impacts the broader region, and collective action is the only viable solution.

Encouraging Dialogue: Kagame and Tshisekedi Must Meet

One of the most critical steps in resolving the DRC conflict is fostering direct dialogue between President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Tensions between the two countries have been high, with accusations from the DRC government that Rwanda has supported rebel groups in the eastern regions, including M23. Rwanda has denied these claims, but the distrust between the two nations has contributed to the ongoing conflict.

For peace to be achieved, it is vital that both leaders meet in person to discuss their differences and find common ground. Direct dialogue is essential to addressing the security concerns of both nations, as well as to ensure that armed groups do not continue to operate with impunity across borders.

A face-to-face meeting could also create the space for both leaders to understand the broader regional implications of the conflict and work toward joint solutions that prioritize peace and stability.

This meeting could set the stage for future cooperation between the DRC and Rwanda, paving the way for coordinated efforts to combat rebel groups, address resource competition, and strengthen regional security frameworks.

It would also send a powerful message to the international community that African leaders are committed to resolving conflicts on their own terms, rather than allowing external actors to dictate the outcome.

The Recent SADC and EAC Meeting in Tanzania: A Step Forward

The recent meeting between SADC and EAC leaders in Tanzania was a positive development in the effort to resolve the conflict in Eastern DRC. The gathering underscored the need for regional cooperation and reaffirmed the call for an immediate ceasefire.

This step reflects a growing recognition among African leaders that the DRC crisis requires a collective response and that peace cannot be achieved without the active involvement of all regional players.

The call for a ceasefire, as articulated during this meeting, should be seen not only as a political statement but as a commitment to concrete action.

All parties, whether governments, armed groups, or regional organizations must be held accountable to the terms of the ceasefire and be encouraged to prioritize dialogue over military action.

The involvement of SADC and EAC in monitoring the situation and facilitating peace talks is crucial for ensuring that any ceasefire is sustainable and leads to long-term peace.

Kalumbu Lumpa is a media practitioner in Zambia.