Why Peace Remains Elusive in Eastern DRC

11 Sep 2025 GS 2 International Relations

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Historical Roots of Conflict

Legacy of Rwandan Genocide (1994): Spillover of Hutu militias and subsequent tensions between Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC.
Congo Wars (1996–2003): Involvement of multiple African states created long-lasting instability.
Ethnic Fragmentation: More than 100 armed groups operate in eastern DRC, representing unresolved ethnic, political, and economic grievances.

Mineral Wealth: DRC has an estimated $24 trillion worth of critical minerals.
Cobalt Reserves: Holds ~70% of global reserves, vital for EV batteries and renewable technologies.
Illicit Trade & Armed Groups: Warlords and rebel groups (e.g., M23) exploit mineral trade, fueling cycles of violence.

U.S.-Brokered Washington Agreement (June 2025):
- Between Rwanda & DRC.
- Commitments: cessation of hostilities, end to armed group support, Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, and Economic Integration Framework.
- For DRC: U.S. security aid + investment, and promise to end illicit mineral trade.
- For Rwanda: International legitimacy amid accusations of supporting M23.
Doha Ceasefire (July 2025, mediated by Qatar):
- Between DRC & M23 rebels.
- Commitments: ceasefire, M23 withdrawal from seized areas, DRC to release prisoners.
- Aim: comprehensive peace agreement by Aug 18, 2025.

Non-Compliance:
- M23 continued offensives in North & South Kivu.
- DRC did not release M23 prisoners.
Distrust & Fragmentation: Neither side trusted the other, given past failed peace attempts.
Spoilers: Other armed groups and regional actors undermined the fragile truce.
Human Rights Violations: Reports of M23 killings (140 deaths in July) eroded confidence in peace.

Critical Minerals Access:
- Reduce dependency on Chinese firms that dominate DRC’s mining sector.
- Secure cobalt, coltan, copper, and rare earths essential for green technologies.
Strategic Geopolitics:
- Counter Chinese and Russian influence in Africa.
- Strengthen U.S. presence in the resource-rich Great Lakes region.
Regional Stability: Peace in DRC would also stabilize Central Africa, reducing refugee flows and extremism risks.

Deep-Rooted Historical Grievances not addressed.
Multiplicity of Actors: Over 100 militias + foreign involvement.
Weak Governance: Congolese state unable to project authority in the east.
Economic Incentives for War: Rebel groups profit from conflict minerals.
Failed Implementation: Peace deals collapse due to lack of enforcement mechanisms.
Regional Rivalries: Rwanda, Uganda, and others pursue strategic interests in DRC.

Comprehensive Peace Process: Not just elite deals, but inclusion of ethnic groups, civil society, and local leaders.
Economic Reforms: Formalize and regulate mineral trade to cut off funding to rebels.
Regional Cooperation: Greater role for African Union & regional blocs to mediate.
International Guarantees: Strong monitoring & enforcement by UN, U.S., and African partners.

Terrain:
- Dense tropical rainforests dominate most of the landscape.
- Extensive river systems (Congo River basin).
- Mountainous regions in the east and southeast.
Area: Second-largest country in Africa (after Algeria), 11th-largest in the world.

Population: ~112 million (2025 estimate).
- Second-most populous country in Africa (after Nigeria).
- Most populous Francophone country in the world.
Languages:
- Official – French (widely spoken).
- Indigenous – Over 200 local languages, including Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba as national languages.
Capital & Largest City: Kinshasa (also the political and economic hub).

Strategic Location: Links Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa.
Natural Resources:
- Rich in cobalt (70% of global reserves), copper, coltan, gold, diamonds, and tin.
- Estimated mineral wealth: $24 trillion.
Geopolitical Importance:
- Resource competition between U.S. and China.
- Ongoing internal conflicts (M23 rebels, ethnic armed groups).