Analysis: Why Peace Negotiations in the DRC Have Failed for 30 Years

Thirty years. That is how long chronic instability has persisted in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since the fall of Mobutu’s regime. Despite dozens of peace agreements, UN missions, and international conferences, the cycle of violence has never truly been interrupted. Why?

The war economy as a system

The first explanation lies in what conflict economists call the war economy. The mineral resources of eastern Congo—coltan, cassiterite, gold, wolframite—generate substantial revenue for armed groups. Peace would mean the loss of a significant economic rent for these actors.

The fragmentation of actors

Unlike other conflicts where two clearly defined sides confront each other, the Congolese situation involves dozens of armed groups with contradictory interests. It is virtually impossible to negotiate an agreement that simultaneously satisfies all these factions.