Managing endemic conflicts analysis of regional mechanism for response to DRC conflict

Abstract

Regionalism has emerged as a new mechanism for conflict resolution after the Cold War and has succeeded in bringing peace and prosperity to Europe and South East Asia. Inspired by these successes the present study analysed the potential of regionalism in the DRC, where millions of lives have been lost in the last decade. The study found that regionalism has high potential to resolve this conflict as the regional forces have very much involvement in the onset and escalation of conflict. The international actors can support this effort of regional actors to establish peace in the region. Social justice, democracy, good governance and social development that ensure all Congolese feel safe and secure within DRC are needed to stop the activities of local militant groups. In addition, through mutual trade, agreements and integration, economic and political interdependence can be established between the neighbouring countries in order to avoid conflict in the African Great Lakes region. The main role for the international actors is to support regionalism in Africa and facilitate the peace process in the region without directly intervening in the internal matters of African States