A new group of African leaders is stepping in to mediate the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as the International Criminal Court (ICC) launches an investigation into the ongoing violence in the country’s eastern region.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan arrived in the DRC to assess the deteriorating security situation while three former African heads of state were appointed to lead peace efforts. The newly selected mediators include ex-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and Nigeria’s ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) designated the trio as “facilitators” of a renewed peace initiative, with the aim of achieving an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” However, previous calls for a ceasefire have gone unanswered, as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, continue their offensive with minimal resistance from the Congolese army.
The violence in eastern DRC has escalated in recent weeks, with the M23 group seizing strategic cities near the Rwandan border. UN reports indicate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers support the armed group.
According to DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, over 7,000 people have lost their lives since January, though independent verification remains difficult.
Karim Khan upon arriving in Kinshasa said “We are extremely worried about recent developments in Congo.” He emphasized that all armed groups must adhere to international humanitarian law.
During his visit, Khan is expected to meet with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, senior government officials, UN Secretary-General’s representative Bintou Keita, victims of the conflict, and civil society members. His investigation will focus on potential war crimes and human rights violations in the region.
In response to the M23’s ongoing offensive, the United Kingdom has suspended most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda, citing concerns over its alleged military involvement in DRC.
“Rwanda may have security concerns, but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily,” a UK government spokesperson stated, adding that financial assistance would be withheld “until significant progress” is made toward reducing hostilities.
“We call for immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defense Forces from Congolese territory.”
UK government spokesperson
Escalating Crisis and Regional War Fears
Richard Moncrieff, a project director at the International Crisis Group, warned that the situation is increasingly resembling a regional war. “We already see some of the makings of a regional war,” he said, noting that Burundian troops have also joined the fighting.
The root causes of the conflict are complex, with eastern DRC being rich in minerals and subject to various geopolitical tensions. Moncrieff highlighted the economic and strategic motivations behind neighboring countries’ involvement, whether through direct intervention or proxy militias.
Meanwhile, economic conditions in the region continue to deteriorate. A recent World Food Programme (WFP) study revealed that maize flour prices have surged by nearly 70%, with similar increases in the cost of essential goods such as salt and peanut oil.
Another pressing concern is transportation. The closure of Goma’s airport for over two weeks has severed a crucial humanitarian supply route. The WFP-operated UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) is also facing a financial shortfall of $33.1 million, which could lead to service suspensions by the end of March.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, women and girls face heightened risks of sexual violence and exploitation. Many are attacked while searching for firewood, while some are forced into survival sex to feed their families. Female-headed households remain among the most vulnerable populations in the conflict. With the security situation worsening, the success of the new mediation efforts led by African leaders remains uncertain.
