Abstract:
This research study sought to assess the effectiveness of regional organizations and
conflict management and resolution in Africa with the EAC-led Nairobi Process on
restoration of security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as a case study.
Specific focus was to examine the effectiveness of EAC mandate in conflict management
and resolution during the EAC-led Peace Process on Restoration of Peace and Stability in
the eastern DRC, identifying the various conflict management and resolution mechanisms
employed and examine the challenges faced during the EAC-led Process. This study was
anchored on both the realism theory and the theory of neoliberal institutionalism that holds
that provided a good framework to analyze the EAC intervention in eastern DRC. This
study adopted a qualitative research design and relied on primary data collected through
interviews with key informants and analyzed using content analysis for each research
objective. The study found out that the Treaty for the establishment of EAC provides
adequate mandate for the promotion of peace and security in the region and mechanisms
guiding its intervention in conflict management and resolution. The study however
revealed several challenges that constrained the EAC in effectively implementing its
mandate such as; inadequate resources, conflicting national interests, reliance on political
good will of Partner States and poor implementation of decisions and directives. The
research study concludes that sufficient funding and capacity building, adequate decision
making structure, political goodwill and ensuring timely implementation of decisions will
enhance the efficiency of regional organizations in conflict management and resolution.
Scope of the Study Finally, the study makes recommendations to enhance the efficacy of
regional organizations in managing and resolving conflicts in their regions. These
recommendations identified will address the knowledge gained from the study, policy
directions for decision-makers, improvements in management practices, theoretical
implications, and areas for further investigation.
