Last week, Goma, the largest city in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fell to an alliance of rebel groups, AFC/M23. This significant escalation was marked by the tragic killings of approximately 900 individuals and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Even more alarming was the death of soldiers from Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, and Paraguay, who were involved in SADC and UN missions. Following this crisis, a diplomatic rift emerged between South Africa and Rwanda, further heightening tensions in the region.
In response, a joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam this week. The summit aims to ease tensions and explore solutions through dialogue.
Tanzania’s role as the host is diplomatically significant, given its geographic positioning as a neighbour to both the DRC and Rwanda, as well as its membership in both the SADC and EAC blocs. This summit places a considerable responsibility on Tanzania.
This article explores the actions Tanzania can and should take to help bring, maintain, and guarantee peace and stability in this vast neighbouring country that shares over 800 km of waterfront on Lake Tanganyika.
Economy, stupid!
The Eastern Congo crisis has persisted for decades, rooted in a complex interplay of ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic interests. As neighbouring regions grapple with its implications, Tanzania finds itself in a unique position with significant stakes in Eastern Africa’s dynamics.
READ MORE: Rwanda and M23 Attacks in DRC Deepen Mistrust in EAC, Cause Confusion in SADC. Can Tanzania Do More?
A clear economic motivation drives Tanzania to seek a lasting resolution to this conflict: the strategic port of Dar es Salaam, which is crucial for both Rwanda and the DRC.
In 2024, a total of nine million metric tons of transit goods passed through the Port of Dar es Salaam. These goods, which include minerals, agricultural products, automobiles, industrial equipment, and fertilisers, are vital for the economies of countries bordering Tanzania.
Together, the DRC and Rwanda account for 62 per cent of the transit goods passing through Tanzania’s port, with the DRC contributing approximately 42 per cent and Rwanda 21 per cent of total transit activities.
This highlights the substantial economic interdependence between Tanzania, the DRC, and Rwanda, emphasising that peace and stability in these countries are essential not only for their prosperity but also for Tanzania’s economic future.
Massive investments in Tanzania’s transport sector, including multi-billion dollar railways, ports, and road projects, will be undermined if instability persists in the DRC and Rwanda. Therefore, it is vital for Tanzania to prioritise regional stability because, ultimately, it is about the economy.
Historical ties
It is essential to recall that the present provinces of Tanganyika, Maniema, South Kivu, and North Kivu in the DRC have deep historical ties with Tanzania. These connections underscore the importance of a stable and prosperous Eastern Congo not only for the DRC itself but for Tanzania, reinforcing the need for active engagement and commitment to peace initiatives in the region.
READ MORE: DRC Must Own Its Crisis And Stop Scapegoating Rwanda for Failures in Eastern Congo
The regions of present-day DRC, particularly those encompassing the provinces of Kivu and Maniema, were governed by Swahili-speaking populations from Eastern Africa for centuries until the Scramble for Africa by European powers.
The Msiri Empire, which encompassed most of the original Katanga Province, was ruled by Msiri from Tabora. Meanwhile, the areas now known as the Kivus and Maniema were under the authority of Tippu Tipu, a Zanzibari trader who became a provincial governor under King Leopold II.
Acknowledging the complexity of the situation in the DRC, I propose a solution that may contribute to the ongoing discussions, especially as our leaders convene in the coming days to address these intricate issues.
Two solutions
The resolution of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo depends on two primary factors: respect for Congolese sovereignty and assurance of security for Rwanda.
It is crucial that the Congolese state operates effectively and governs without external interference. Sovereignty extends beyond mere territorial integrity; it encapsulates the right of the Congolese people to determine their own political, economic, and social futures.
A capable Congolese government will be better situated to address internal challenges, stimulate development, and foster national unity amidst its diverse populations. For a nation like the DRC, whose sovereignty has been compromised by neighbouring countries for many years, this assurance is vital.
The resources of the Congo must be directed towards the development of its people rather than contributing to their suffering. Additionally, there must be support for the protection of all citizens, including minorities in the Kivu provinces.
Simultaneously, Rwanda’s security must be prioritised in any peace process. The porous western border between the DRC and Rwanda has historically enabled cross-border conflicts that threaten stability in both nations. Ensuring Rwandan security involves preventing extremist groups, such as the FDLR, from utilising Congolese territory as a base for attacks against Rwandan interests.
The spectre of genocide and massacres, reminiscent of past atrocities, looms large. No nation can accept living in constant fear of threat from the very forces that once decimated its population. This security assurance should also extend to the minorities in the Kivus, particularly the Banyarwanda-speaking communities.
Thus, it is essential to establish a framework that guarantees peaceful coexistence between the two countries while upholding the sovereignty of the Congolese state. The DRC has never achieved lasting stability since the days of the Congo Free State and Zaire.
History shows that even King Leopold II failed to establish effective governance over the Congo. Therefore, the true and effective sovereignty of the DRC is crucial in these challenging times.
A guarantor of peace
In this context, Tanzania must play a proactive role as a guarantor of peace in Eastern Congo. Its vested interest in maintaining a stable trade environment through the Port of Dar es Salaam necessitates a concerted effort to broker peace. By acting as a neutral facilitator in peace negotiations, Tanzania can mediate discussions between the DRC and Rwanda, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
READ MORE: Two Tanzanian Soldiers Killed, Four Wounded in DRC Following M23 Attacks
To effectively support peace efforts, it is crucial for Tanzania to strengthen its military capabilities to impose stability when necessary. A stable and peaceful Eastern Congo is vital for ensuring that transit routes remain secure and open. By bolstering its military presence in a non-invasive manner, Tanzania can deter potential aggressors and reassure both the DRC and Rwanda of its commitment to regional stability.
Moreover, Tanzania can leverage its diplomatic relationships and partnerships with regional organisations such as the East African Community (EAC), SADC, and the African Union (AU) to advocate for collective security initiatives. These frameworks can provide the necessary support for peacekeeping missions that might be required in the region, ensuring that both Congolese sovereignty and Rwandan security are upheld.
Ultimately, the path to lasting peace in Eastern Congo requires a delicate balance of respect for sovereignty and the assurance of security. Tanzania’s role as a facilitator and guarantor of peace is critical. By promoting dialogue, ensuring effective governance in the DRC, and safeguarding Rwandan interests, Tanzania not only secures its own economic interests but also contributes to a more stable and prosperous Eastern Africa.
An emergent role for Tanzania could involve its forces temporarily replacing all armed groups in the Kivus, including elements of the DRC’s national army, for a period of no less than ten years.
This initiative should also encompass governance and rebuilding efforts in the region. Furthermore, the possibility of a federation between Tanzania and the DRC should not be dismissed as a viable option for fostering long-term stability and cooperation.
The commitment to peace in this volatile region will be vital not only for the immediate stakeholders but for the wider African continent as it seeks to overcome the legacy of conflict and promote sustainable development.
Zitto Kabwe is the former leader of the opposition ACT-Wazalendo party. Between 2008 and 2015, he served as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee and Public Organizations Accounts Committee. He is also a former MP for Kigoma North and Kigoma Urban constituencies. He is available at zittokabwe@gmai.com and on X as @zittokabwe. These are the writer’s own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of The Chanzo. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com for further inquiries.
