By Mboneko Munyaga
As regional summits attempt to quell the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), analysts are calling for a more direct approach to address foreign interference in the region. The crisis, they argue, will not conclude until key players are openly confronted and compelled to withdraw their military forces from Congolese territories.
In exclusive interviews with The Arusha News, analysts revealed a rarely discussed motive behind the ongoing conflict: the ambition to establish a so-called “Hima Empire.”
Turmoil in DR Congo
This agenda, reportedly driven by Rwanda and Uganda, threatens peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. Both nations are accused of deploying their armies in DR Congo to support rebel militias, a claim substantiated by a UN report which cited the presence of up to 4,000 Rwandan troops fighting alongside the M23 rebel group.
“This is not merely alarmism,” stated one analyst, who requested anonymity due to security concerns. “There are deliberate actions underway, aimed at reshaping the region’s political landscape by force, catching the international community off guard.”
The alleged strategy includes seizing the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo, annexing the entirety of Burundi, and capturing significant parts of northwestern Tanzania to form the ‘Hima Empire.’
Just before the fall of Goma to the M23 rebels—a group believed to be backed by Rwanda—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had urged Rwandan forces to withdraw from DR Congo and halt their support of the advancing rebels. Despite these admonitions, M23 has declared their intent to topple the government in Kinshasa.
Regional and International Response
Responding to these developments, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) convened both separate and joint summits in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025. These meetings resulted in a call for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities,” to be enforced by the region’s Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs), who were ordered to meet within five days.
The summits also emphasized humanitarian aid and established a Secretariat-level technical coordination mechanism to monitor the implementation of their decisions. This includes fostering the Luanda/Nairobi processes, aimed at neutralizing the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and facilitating Rwanda’s military disengagement from DR Congo.
Skepticism Over Diplomatic Efforts
Despite these international efforts, some critics question the effectiveness of the EAC and SADC’s approach, suggesting that it may be insufficient to deter the deep-rooted ambitions of regional powers. Critics argue that the mechanisms currently in place lack the enforcement capacity to meaningfully impact the situation on the ground.
“There is a need for a more robust intervention that goes beyond the usual diplomatic niceties,” remarked a senior political analyst specializing in African affairs. “While the Luanda/Nairobi process is a step in the right direction, its success depends heavily on the genuine commitment of all parties involved, which remains questionable.”
Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about Rwanda’s involvement in the re-exportation of coltan and other minerals from eastern DRC. These activities not only exacerbate the conflict but also undermine regional stability by financing further military engagements in the area.
The Road Ahead
As the international community watches closely, the future of eastern DRC hangs in the balance, with its vast mineral resources and strategic geographical positioning making it a continued focal point for conflict. The region’s complex colonial history and the persistent struggle of its minority Tutsi population for acceptance add further layers to an already intricate crisis.
The upcoming weeks are critical, as the effectiveness of the EAC and SADC’s interventions will likely determine the trajectory of peace and stability in the region. As the joint summit’s decisions begin to unfold, the world remains hopeful yet cautious about the potential for lasting peace in this troubled part of Africa.
