February 14, 2025
Introduction
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured a prolonged and devastating conflict that has inflicted immense suffering on its population and stunted economic growth. Decades of violence, political instability, and human rights abuses have left millions displaced, impoverished, and vulnerable to exploitation. A sustainable path to peace requires a multi-faceted approach, grounded in dialogue, collaboration, and the inclusive participation of all stakeholders.
The Human and Economic Cost of the DRC Conflict
The toll of the DRC conflict is staggering. Since the 1990s, over six million people have died due to war-related causes, and 6.9 million were displaced in 2023 alone (UNHCR, 2023). Gender-based violence remains rampant, with the DRC often referred to as the “rape capital of the world”—over 35,000 cases of sexual violence were documented in 2022 (UNFPA, 2023). The conflict also disproportionately affects children, with 30,000 forcibly recruited as child soldiers or subjected to sexual exploitation (UNICEF, 2023).
Despite the country’s vast mineral wealth, which includes cobalt, gold, and coltan, 73% of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day (World Bank, 2023). Additionally, the illicit mineral trade fuels armed groups, with over $1 billion worth of minerals smuggled annually (Global Witness, 2022). This situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive peace strategy that not only ends violence but also addresses governance and economic disparities.
Our Strategic Focus in the Great Lakes Region & DRC
Search for Common Ground’s peacebuilding strategy in the DRC and the Great Lakes region is centered on five key objectives:
- Mutual Understanding & Social Cohesion – Strengthening inter-community relationships and fostering trust among historically divided groups.
- Citizen-State Relations – Promoting accountable governance and ensuring citizens’ voices are heard in decision-making processes.
- Civilian Protection – Enhancing community safety mechanisms and advocating for human rights protections.
- Economic Prosperity – Supporting sustainable development initiatives to reduce economic inequalities fueling the conflict.
- Leadership Development – Equipping a new generation of leaders with skills for conflict resolution and inclusive governance.
Our approach is rooted in multipartiality—engaging all sides of the conflict while amplifying marginalized voices. By fostering safe spaces for dialogue, we seek to transform distrust into respect and collaboration.
The Complexity of the DRC Conflict
The DRC conflict is highly complex, involving over 100 armed groups, foreign interventions, and geopolitical rivalries. The resurgence of the M23 rebellion, fueled by ethnic tensions and Rwanda’s security concerns, has exacerbated instability. Paradoxically, the Congolese army (FARDC) collaborates with some groups while fighting others, complicating peace efforts. The UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), European mercenaries, and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) further entangle the situation (International Crisis Group, 2023).
Regional and International Implications
The DRC conflict has far-reaching consequences beyond its borders. There is a growing risk of a regional war involving at least nine countries. While Rwanda and Uganda’s mineral exploitation exacerbates tensions, military interventions by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have proven insufficient in addressing the root causes of the crisis (African Union, 2023). Sustainable peace requires a shift toward diplomacy and inclusive regional dialogue.
The Role of Rwanda and the M23 Rebellion
The M23 rebellion originated from a failed 2009 peace agreement that had promised political and military integration of Tutsi rebels into the DRC’s structures. Rwanda’s support for M23 stems from its concerns over Hutu militias (FDLR) operating in eastern DRC, while the DRC’s collaboration with the FDLR has deepened Kigali’s security anxieties (Human Rights Watch, 2023). Resolving these tensions requires a diplomatic solution that acknowledges and addresses mutual security concerns.
The Need for an Inclusive Peace Process
To achieve lasting peace, a shift from military intervention to diplomacy is crucial. The SADC’s approach must evolve into a region-wide dialogue that includes:
- The Congolese government
- The M23 rebel leadership
- Rwanda and Uganda
- FDLR and other armed groups
- Civil society actors and international mediators
- The peace process must go beyond ethnic politics and focus on nation-building and unity.
Risks of South Africa and SADC’s Approach
South Africa and the SADC military intervention in the DRC carry significant risks. An overreliance on military force may deepen ethnic divisions and prolong instability. Additionally, aligning with mercenaries and FDLR militias undermines the legitimacy of peace efforts and could further escalate tensions with Rwanda (Brookings Institution, 2023). A more sustainable approach would involve African Union-led peacekeeping forces, diplomatic negotiations, and community-based reconciliation initiatives.
A Holistic Approach to Conflict Resolution
Ending the DRC conflict requires addressing its root causes, including:
- Ethnic exclusion and discrimination – Promoting political inclusivity and equitable representation.
- Weak governance – Strengthening democratic institutions and reducing corruption.
- Resource competition – Establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure that mineral wealth benefits local populations rather than fueling conflict.
Additionally, holding international companies accountable for profiting from illicit minerals is crucial in disrupting the war economy (Global Witness, 2023).
Key Recommendations for Sustainable Peace
To achieve long-term peace in the DRC, the following steps must be prioritized:
- Inclusive Dialogue – Convene peace talks with all parties, including M23, FARDC, Rwanda, Uganda, and local communities.
- Reintegration – Provide political and military reintegration pathways to address ethnic grievances.
- Peacekeeping Transition – Replace military offensives with an African Union-led peacekeeping force.
- Tackling Mineral Exploitation – Strengthen governance mechanisms to curb illicit resource trade and ensure economic transparency.
- Governance Reforms – Promote democratic institutions and accountability in both the DRC and Rwanda to create long-term stability.
Conclusion
The crisis in the DRC is not just a humanitarian disaster but a regional and global security challenge. Addressing it requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach that prioritizes dialogue, governance, and economic reform.
By fostering multipartiality and inclusive peace processes, regional and international actors can support the DRC in moving beyond cycles of violence toward a more stable and prosperous future. The time to act is now—through collaboration, diplomacy, and sustained commitment, peace in the DRC is possible.
