La paix dans la région des Grands Lacs: lecture d’une approche régionale

The document analyzes the drivers of instability in the Great Lakes region, emphasizing that while the DRC's governance failures are often blamed, the political repression and economic interests of Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi are equally significant. It highlights the role of illegal mineral extraction and the export of internal political conflicts into the eastern DRC. The author suggests that the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi provides an opportunity for a positive shift in regional dynamics, provided there is a fundamental reframing of the conflict narrative and a shift in international diplomatic approaches. The paper evaluates existing frameworks like the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework (PSCF) and recommends a high-level mediation process led by the African Union.

• Instability in the Great Lakes region is frequently attributed solely to the DRC's governance failures, ignoring the fact that governance failures in neighboring countries are equally significant drivers of violence.
• Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi are heavily involved in the illegal trafficking and processing of Congolese minerals, including gold, tungsten, tin, and tantalum, which fuels regional conflict.
• The UN Group of Experts estimated that in 2019, over 95 percent of Uganda's gold exports were not of Ugandan origin, indicating widespread smuggling from the DRC.
• Regional instability is exacerbated by Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi exporting their internal political conflicts into the eastern DRC, often by hosting or supporting rebel groups of their political opponents.
• A 'regional mafia' consisting of armed actors, politicians, businessmen, and military leaders from the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi cooperates to profit from the illicit trade of minerals.
• The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework (PSCF) has maintained regional dialogue for seven years but has failed to achieve substantial progress in addressing the root drivers of instability due to a lack of political will.
• International actors, including the US, France, and the UK, have historically prioritized regime stability in Rwanda and Uganda over democratic development, creating a dangerous double standard that has failed to prevent the cycle of violence.
• The presidency of Félix Tshisekedi offers a potential opportunity to transform regional dynamics, though he faces internal sabotage from powerful Congolese actors who benefit from the illicit economic system.
• The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is hampered by a lack of neutrality, budget cuts, and a dependence on donor funding, limiting its effectiveness as a political platform.

APA

Wolters, S. (2020). La paix dans la région des Grands Lacs: lecture d’une approche régionale. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Occasional-Paper-313-wolters-French.pdf

Chicago

Wolters, Stephanie. La paix dans la région des Grands Lacs: lecture d’une approche régionale. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2020. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Occasional-Paper-313-wolters-French.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Wolters |first1=Stephanie |title=La paix dans la région des Grands Lacs: lecture d’une approche régionale |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=October 2020 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Occasional-Paper-313-wolters-French.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wolters2020paix, author = {Wolters, Stephanie}, title = {{La paix dans la région des Grands Lacs: lecture d’une approche régionale}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2020}, month = oct, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Occasional-Paper-313-wolters-French.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }