Will summit in Dar finally end DR Congo conflict?

With Tanzania—widely regarded as a “Haven of Peace”—playing host, expectations are high. However, there remains a divide among experts: will this be a genuine step towards resolving the crisis, or just another chapter in the long-standing political chess game?

Tanzania has a long history of playing a stabilising role in regional conflicts. From the overthrow of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1979 to the mediation efforts in Burundi and South Sudan, the country has been a neutral and respected voice in East and Central African affairs.

Hosting this crucial summit cements its reputation as a peacemaker, but the challenges ahead are immense.

A political analyst from Mzumbe University, Mr Emmanuel Lwanga, believes that Tanzania’s neutrality and historical position make it the ideal host.

“The country does not have a direct stake in the conflict, unlike some of the nations involved. This gives it the credibility to broker a fair resolution,” he says. However, past mediation efforts have often been met with resistance due to the deep-seated mistrust between the DRC and Rwanda.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has previously accused the EAC of siding with the M23 rebels, a stance that complicates any engagement within the bloc.

The joint summit follows separate meetings held by the two regional blocs, where the conflict in eastern DRC was a major point of discussion.

The decision to bring together leaders from both SADC and EAC highlights the complexity of the crisis, as DRC is a member of both organisations. Zimbabwean President and the current SADC chair Emmerson Mnangagwa has played a key role in pushing for regional collaboration.

“A conflict of this scale cannot be resolved in isolation. The DRC issue is an African problem, and it requires a united front,” he said in a recent address.

Meanwhile, Kenyan President and the chair of EAC William Ruto has expressed optimism that a common approach can be found. “Both blocs have attempted different solutions, but our best chance at lasting peace is through unity and cooperation,” he said.

Yet, there remains scepticism about whether the two blocs can work together effectively. SADC forces have already been deployed in the DRC, while EAC troops have faced criticism from Kinshasa for allegedly being ineffective.

President Tshisekedi’s decision to welcome SADC forces while being critical of the EAC exposes a deeper division within the regional leadership.

A standoff with no end in sight?

At the heart of the conflict is the long-standing tension between the DRC and Rwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. On the other hand, Rwanda accuses the DRC of incorporating elements of the FDLR, a rebel group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, into its army.

President Paul Kagame has consistently dismissed allegations of Rwandan involvement with M23. “The problems in the eastern DRC are deep-rooted and historical. Blaming Rwanda will not solve them,” he stated in a recent address.

For President Tshisekedi, the ongoing instability in the eastern DRC represents both a security and political challenge. With elections approaching, his ability to address the M23 insurgency could define his legacy.

By turning to SADC for military support, he has signalled a shift away from the EAC, a move that could reshape regional alliances.

Tanzania’s role in mediating between the warring parties in DRC is not without historical precedent. In 1996, former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere criticised the then Zairean government for attempting to expel ethnic Rwandans from its territory.

Speaking at a UN forum, Nyerere argued that the Banyamulenge community had lived in the region for centuries and had a right to remain.

“No government has the right to deny them their citizenship,” Nyerere said, urging Zaire to embrace inclusivity rather than exclusion. His words resonate today as ethnic tensions remain central to the conflict in eastern DRC.

The issue of nationality and belonging remains unresolved, contributing to the cycle of violence.

Opinions remain divided on the potential outcomes of the summit. A political strategist based in Arusha, Dr Judith Ngoma, warns that without a clear roadmap, the meeting may yield little more than diplomatic statements.

“Regional summits are important, but unless they lead to tangible action on the ground, they risk being symbolic gestures,” she told The Citizen in an interview.

On the other hand, a security expert. Mr Patrick Mshana, sees the summit as a critical opportunity to bridge the growing divide between the DRC and EAC.

“This is a moment for honest dialogue. If Tshisekedi, Kagame, and other leaders can commit to a real political solution, we might see progress,” he says.

Meanwhile, international relations analyst James Magenge suggested on his social media (Facebook) page that Tanzania’s leadership in hosting the summit could play a decisive role.

“Tanzania has credibility, and if President Samia Suluhu Hassan can bring both sides to the table, this summit could be a turning point,” he wrote.

A defining moment for regional stability

As leaders converge in Dar es Salaam, the weight of expectations is immense. The M23 conflict is not just a Congolese issue—it has regional and global implications.

While the joint summit signals a step in the right direction, the challenge lies in ensuring that political discussions translate into concrete actions.

If Tanzania’s history as a mediator holds any lessons, it is that diplomacy must be backed by commitment and follow-through. Whether this weekend’s meeting leads to a breakthrough or becomes another episode in Africa’s long history of inconclusive summits remains to be seen.

What is certain, however, is that the people of the DRC are desperate for peace. The leaders meeting in Dar es Salaam have an opportunity to rewrite history—or risk repeating it.