THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY (EAC) SECURITY COOPERATION MECHANISMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ARMED CONFLICTS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY GOVERNANCE

Authors: Mireine Lobanga Yaombiti*, Mwayila Tshiyembe, Kadiebwe Mulonda & Agenonga Chobair

ABSTRACT

This study examines the effectiveness of the East African Community’s (EAC) security cooperation mechanisms in managing armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through a documentary analysis and the observation of regional security dynamics, the research evaluates the performance of the EAC Regional Force (EACRF) and the Nairobi Process in stabilizing eastern Congo. The results show that despite occasional progress, including the achievement of a de facto ceasefire around Goma, security cooperation mechanisms have been hampered by the lack of common political will, financial constraints, and divergence of Member States’ strategic interests. The study reveals that the lack of clarification of the mandate, the lack of operational coordination and the allegations of connivance with certain armed groups have undermined the credibility of the EACRF in the eyes of the Congolese population. The article concludes on the need for a profound reform of regional security architectures, based on an integrated approach combining political mediation and coordinated security action.

Keywords: Security cooperation, EAC Regional Force (EACRF), Nairobi Process, armed conflicts, stabilization, security governance, DRC.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES

  1. (2024). The East African Community Regional Force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Successes, Challenges and Prospects. African Journal of Conflict Resolution, 24(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.14426/ajcr.v24i1.105
  2. Balassa, B. (1961). The Theory of Economic Intégration. Richard D. Irwin, Inc. ISBN 978-0-415-68124-7, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6435.1961.tb02365.x
  3. Bar, J. (2023). Accession of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the East African Community: A Threat to Regional Security or an Opportunity for the Peacebuilding Process? Polish Political Science Review, 11(1), 102-115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ppsr-2023-0007
  4. Buzan, B., & Waever, O. (2003). Regions and Powers: The Structure of International Security. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-89111-0, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511491250
  5. Centre pour le Dialogue Humanitaire (HD). (2024). The Nairobi Process: An Assessment of EAC-Led Mediation in Eastern DRC. HD Centre Report.
  6. (2024). Civilian Perspectives on Regional Security Efforts to Address Violence in the DRC. Center for Civilians in Conflict, Washington DC.
  7. (1999). Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania.
  8. (2022a). Communique of the 22nd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State. Arusha, 22 July 2022.
  9. (2022b). Nairobi Process on Peace and Security in Eastern DRC: Framework Agreement.
  10. Haas, E. B. (1958). The Uniting of Europe: Political, Social, and Economic Forces, 1950-1957. Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0-8047-0189-7
  11. Handy, P.-S. (2025a). Anatomy of SADC’s Failure in Eastern DRC. ISS Today, Institute for Security Studies, 20 March 2025.
  12. International Crisis Group. (2023). The M23 and the Crisis in Eastern DRC: A Call for Regional Solutions. Africa Report N°320.
  13. Lisakafu, D. (2025). Beyond Borders: Evaluating EAC and SADC Roles in the DRC Conflict. UNU-WIDER Working Paper 2025/06. ISBN 978-92-9267-601-3.
  14. United Nations. (2024). Report of the Secretary-General on MONUSCO (S/2024/482). United Nations Security Council.
  15. United Nations. (2024). Final Report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2024/432). United Nations Security Council.
  16. Osman, G. U., & Mwea, C. W. (2025). Regional Security Dynamics and Implications in the Intégration of the Democratic Republic of Congo into East African Community. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 9(11), 68-80. ISSN 2523-6725.
  17. Prunier, G. (2009). Africa’s World War: Congo, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Making of a Continental Catastrophe. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-537420-9
  18. Stearns, J. K. (2011). Dancing in the Glory of Monsters: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa. PublicAffairs. ISBN 978-1-58648-929-8
  19. Warner, Z. (2011). Africa’s World War: Congo, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Making of a Continental Catastrophe. Third World Quarterly, 32(12), 2269-2271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2011.645705