Assessing the East African Community Peacebuilding Efforts in the Democratic Republic Of Congo.

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.