Abstract:
This study critically assessed the East African Community's (EAC) peacebuilding
efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the challenges of
achieving lasting stability in a region marked by persistent violence, political
instability, and socio-economic disparities. The study aimed to evaluate the
effectiveness of the EAC's military interventions, regional cooperation, and capacity
building strategies, while identifying obstacles such as political fragmentation,
resource limitations, and local grievances. Interpretivism was employed in this study
as a research philosophy. The philosophy serves as an insightful concept emphasizing
how individuals and groups construct their understanding of peacebuilding efforts and
their impact. A qualitative approach was employed as well as the case study research
design was used to investigate the role of peace and security measures in the EAC
peacebuilding initiatives within the DRC. The study utilized a purposive sampling to
semi-structured interviews with 14 purposively selected key informants to gather
insights into these challenges. The study’s findings reveal that while the EAC’s
initiatives have had some success in reducing immediate violence, they have faced
significant limitations, including weak governance, lack of local engagement, and
insufficient resources. Efforts such as military deployments, mediation through the
Nairobi Peace Process, and development programs have struggled to produce lasting
peace, as armed groups like the ADF and M23 quickly regenerate after military
pressure subsides. Furthermore, the lack of coordination among stakeholders and the
exclusion of local communities from the peacebuilding process have undermined the
effectiveness of the interventions. The study recommends a more wide-ranging
approach to peacebuilding that emphasizes local participation, enhanced coordination
among stakeholders, and more effective resource management. It calls for sustained
political will from EAC member states and the international community to address the
root causes of conflict, including political exclusion, economic inequality, and ethnic
tensions, to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of peace efforts in the
DRC.
