Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Africa’s Post

In its strategy for the Great Lakes Region, the European Union affirms that “security, stability and prosperity remains a strategic priority”. Civil society organisations, however, are noticing inconsistencies in the EU’s foreign policy. In an open letter, they express their deep concern about the escalation of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Along with other organisations, Cordaid RDC signed this open letter outlining recommendations to address the EU's incoherent policy. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eeJbjApp #DRCongo #EuropeanUnion #ForeignPolicy

Find out more about the escalating tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the latest post from our Security Information Service (SIS), "M23 Closes in on Goma: Raising the Threat on Provincial Capital." This article explores the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC, focusing on the M23 rebel group's advances and the implications for the region's stability. Detailing the historical roots and current motivations behind the conflict, alongside expert analysis of potential future developments. Read our latest blog post by Mutua Muli, a Castor Vali Associate focusing on Eastern and Southern Africa, essential reading for those interested in the political and security landscape of this region. https://lnkd.in/dgpEZeZU #M23Rebels #GomaCrisis #GreatLakesRegion #AfricanPolitics #SecurityAlert #GlobalAffairs #DRCConflict

The worsening security situation in Eastern DRC: coordinated regional efforts must be prioritized. 1. In the 1960s, the Democratic Republic of Congo presented one of the first regional security challenges to newly independent African states. 2. At the time, it was more about Cold War ideological differences that found a turf in the resource-rich territory that had a tumultuous history under Belgian colonialism. The West supported one faction while the USSR threw its weight for the other. 3. The division within the country was extended to the continent as pro-West and pro-East countries supported the different factions. The discontinuation meant that no lasting solution was found. 4. Eventually, the country came under the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko, who exploited ethnic and transnational dynamics to stay on. He secured his stay until the end of the Cold War. 5. And so what? 6. The current news is that M23 rebels who have become active in recent years are moving closer to Goma and have consequently sparked the exodus of thousands of people in nearby towns. 7. Even though the group had reached some ceasefire with Kinshasa before elections in December, it has become particularly active after the elections. This is happening while the relations between Kinshasa and Kigali have not seen any significant improvement. 8. This notwithstanding, the probability of this conflict resulting in a major catastrophe that could have regional ramifications requires that continental and regional players take another serious look at it and help resolve it. 9. How? 10. Firstly, like in the 1960s, tensions in the DRC continue to divide regional actors and make interventions complicated. This has added to the protracted nature of conflicts in the country. In recent times, East African forces were requested to leave after a one-year stabilization mission came to an end. Kinshasa sought to replace the EAC force with a Southern African Development Community (SADC) force. 11. This was followed by Kinshasa’s displeasure towards Kenya after an M23-associated group declared the establishment of a political movement in Nairobi. These dynamics create continental and regional divisions that make peace arduous and impractical. 12. Way forward? 13. Sharing boundaries with 9 other African states, and belonging to three regional security complexes, peace in the DRC requires a coordinated effort of multiple countries and regional actors. 14. The marginalization of any could hinder progress towards peace. The different parties in the conflict have built sophisticated relations that make coordinated efforts more necessary. The role of Angola in finding peace is as important as that of Tanzania. 15. Regional organizations like the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the SADC among others must be involved at the organizational levels to ensure the continuity of peace processes. Riley Risk Inc. DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd #drc

In our latest analysis, Nicole Mazurova and I discuss what the future of peace operations in #Africa will look like as the United Nations and African Union continue to deepen their partnership. We argue that the December passage of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 allowing the AU to access UN financing has the potential to revitalize peace operations in Africa. We examine criteria, lessons learned and contexts in which the resolution might be applied. Criteria under which a peace operation ought to de deployed under the auspices of 2719 include: ✅️ Host government consent ✅️ Opportunity further political processes ✅️ Regional consensus ✅️ Popular support Key lessons we feel ought to be applied to all future missions: ▶️ Partnership between the AU and UN is not an "equal" one, and requires a clear division of labor and responsibilities ▶️ AU/UN should maximize their respective comparative advantages ▶️ Logistical support (which will likely be mostly provided by the UN) needs to suit mission mandate and requirements (which is to be proposed by the AU in consultation with other stakeholders) ▶️ One TCC should lead an operation with simultaneous command over logistical support We then consider how policymakers ought to apply these criteria and lessons in various contexts, including Somalia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and coastal West Africa, esp. Benin (see infrographic). We conclude that the new generation of peace operations are likely to be smaller than the previous era, and to be successful, need to double down on the political and non-military aspects of their missions. https://lnkd.in/e_QX6CqV

📢 PUBLICATION ALERT: The Summit of the Future, the high-level summit of the UN scheduled for September 2024 expected to adopt the commitment of UN member states for reform of the multilateral system, offers a unique opportunity for taking the policy process for the reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) forward. Accompanying, the African Union's Committee of Ten (C10) on the Reform of the UNSC is convening a ministerial meeting on 9-10 June in Algiers, Algeria, Our latest research report examines both how the C10 can position Africa to seize the current window of opportunity for UNSC reform and the kind of reform that both redresses the historical injustice suffered by Africa and makes the collective peace and security system fit for a multipolar world. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ePPtDzy2

As early as May 23, a Kenya-led Multilateral Security Support (MSS) mission is expected to deploy to Haiti to help it contend with unprecedented threats from criminal gangs. The MSS faces formidable challenges in Haiti, which has been plagued by complex political turmoil—including the recent ousting of its prime minister—and a collapsed economy. While the appointment of a transitional council responsible for choosing Haiti’s next leaders signifies a step forward, large uncertainties loom over the country´s political direction and security situation. On May 24, the Brookings Foreign Policy program’s Initiative on Nonstate Armed Actors will convene leading experts to discuss Haiti’s political and security landscape, the opportunities and challenges for the MSSM, and avenues for external assistance to Haiti. Viewers can join the conversation and ask questions of the panelists by emailing events@brookings.edu or on X/Twitter using the hashtag #HaitiOntheBrink. https://lnkd.in/eVnD_QYw

📺"There is a contentious debate regarding the potential joining of two new African members to the Security Council but taking away the idea of vetoing. It is what some on the continent say is almost like inviting African countries for dinner but they are not allowed to eat." Gustavo de Carvalho weighs in on the need for greater representation of African countries on the UN Security Council. Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3YfVRfR #UNSecurityCouncil #InternationalCooperation

📢 NEW PUBLICATION ALERT: The Summit of the Future, the high-level summit of the UN scheduled for September 2024 expected to adopt commitment of UN member states for reform of the multilateral system, offers a unique opportunity for taking the policy process for the reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) forward. Ahead of that, the African Union's Committee of Ten (C10) on the Reform of the UNSC is convening a ministerial meeting on 9-10 June in Algiers, Algeria. Our latest research report examines both how the C10 can position Africa to seize the current window of opportunity for UNSC reform and the kind of reform that both redresses the historical injustice suffered by Africa and makes the collective peace and security system fit for a multipolar world. https://lnkd.in/ePPtDzy2

The conflict in **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)** has been brutal and complex, with historical and regional reasons. Although there are no simple answers, several steps can be taken to reduce violence and promote peace: 1. ** Armistice agreement **: - Encourage all armed groups to join and comply with the ceasefire agreement. The agreement includes conditions such as cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demilitarization and rehabilitation of combatants²⁵. - International mediators and regional leaders should continue to facilitate discussions and negotiations for lasting peace. 2. **Root Address**: - Address underlying issues causing conflict, such as competition for natural resources, ethnic conflict and political instability. - Improve resource management in balance with economic development in order to reduce the fighting will of armed groups. 3. **Reform of security institutions**: - Strengthen the DRC security forces against armed groups while respecting human rights. - Carry out appropriate training, accountability and monitoring to prevent abuses by security agencies. 4. **Regional cooperation**: - Involvement in neighboring countries, particularly ............... related to history and conflicts. Address issues related to cross-border financing of armed groups. - Collaborate with regional organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to coordinate activities. 5. **Emergency Assistance**: - Provide immediate assistance to people in crisis, including internally displaced persons and refugees. - Do everything possible to help organizations provide assistance and help people. 6. **Justice and responsibility**: - Pursue justice for war crimes and human rights violations committed during the conflict. - Establish accountability mechanisms, including truth and reconciliation processes. 7. **Sustainable development**: - Invest in education, healthcare and infrastructure to improve quality of life and improve security. - Empower local communities to participate in decision-making and peacebuilding. Remember that achieving lasting peace in the DRC requires the sustained efforts of the international community, regional actors and the Congolese people themselves. It's a difficult journey, but every step leads to peace. 🕊️ Source: Interview with Bing-Basekerufite 02/19/2024

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 Since 2020, West Africa has recorded six coups in #Mali, #Guinea, #BurkinaFaso and #Niger. The repetitive nature of coups in the region, prolonged transitions back to civilian rule, and junta leaders’ ability to resist external pressure calls for responses to be reconsidered. ISS’ new West Africa report examines how coups have been managed in the region. https://lnkd.in/dF4P-WW6