The DRC crisis and the evolving regional security architecture: some questions for peace and security

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced one of the longest security crises in Africa, impacting its neighbours and across Central and Southern Africa. The crisis has spotlighted the capacities of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to mediate complex conflicts. This challenge was compounded by the dual membership of the DRC in the RECs. This article discusses the compounded challenges faced by RECs when dealing with subject states that belong to more than one REC and are in complex security situations. This paper argues that, in part, competing RECs become spoilers in the process. This study is based on a critical review of literature, mainly using online sources. Social media, particularly X, was also an important source given that global leaders now use the platform to engage in various issues. The study also utilised online observations, given that part of the crisis was a major news maker across global TV networks, while various leaders promoted the summits through both traditional and social media. The subject states also exploit the competing interests of the RECs to assert their interests. The paper recommends that in cases of a security situation arising in a country with multiple REC memberships, no single REC should take up conflict resolution and peacebuilding without working with the other RECs to harmonise expectations before the start of the process. In addition, African RECs should strengthen their institutions to be able to fully respond to internal challenges and bring to life the concept of ‘African solutions for African problems’.