For decades, insecurity has plagued the Great Lakes region. While many attribute the instability to foreign powers seeking control over the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s vast mineral wealth, the reality is far more complex. Resource looting has been ongoing for years, and in some cases, these illicit activities thrive under a semblance of security.

The leaders of armed rebellions are often politicians who have been sidelined from power and are now fighting to regain influence—and personal wealth. Rwanda and neighboring Uganda and Burundi aim to turn eastern DRC into a strategic zone of political, economic, and security influence, extending beyond mere resource extraction.

But the crisis isn’t just fueled by external forces. Internally, the Congolese military and local militias formed to compensate for its failures have become active participants in the violence. Widespread misgovernance has led to the collapse of public services and infrastructure, creating a cycle of poverty and instability. What began as economic exploitation has spiraled into full-scale war.

Addressing the root causes

Achieving lasting peace will require more than pressuring Rwanda to withdraw support for the M23 rebellion. While that is essential, it’s only part of the solution. The deeper structural issues driving this conflict must be addressed through a process that originates from within the DRC, albeit with strong regional and international support.

Eastern DRC has a powerful asset: its people’s unwavering determination to rebuild their lives. Congolese citizens remain eager to work, innovate, and escape poverty despite years of suffering- exacerbated by neglect and global complicity.

Consider the resilience of displaced women living in makeshift camps around Goma. Seizing an opportunity from the Matendo Foundation, a member of our network, they recently learned to produce eco-friendly charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste. This initiative not only provided an alternative to expensive and environmentally damaging wood charcoal but also fostered a sense of community among women from different villages. Their goal is to continue production once they return home—a testament to the power of grassroots action.

From stopping war to building peace

These are the kinds of initiatives that need support. Diplomats must go beyond merely brokering ceasefires—they must create conditions for lasting peace without interference or indifference. Establishing stable governance in the DRC requires leveraging the strength of religious communities and traditional leaders who hold deep legitimacy among the people.

Europe, particularly Belgium and France, has historical ties to the DRC and must rethink its approach. The focus should be on fostering cooperation that empowers civil society organizations and entrepreneurs rather than reinforcing dependency.

As the Pole Institute, a Goma-based research and peacebuilding organization, stated in a recent report: “War-weary populations, exhausted by massacres and perpetual insecurity, will support any effort to achieve stability based on security and effective public services. The DRC’s agricultural and mineral wealth and its people's resilience offer immense potential. We are far from realizing it—but we can dream.”

Let’s unite our efforts to turn that dream into reality.

Michel Tissier is Executive Secretary of the International Network for a Human Economy, focusing on economic justice, peacebuilding, and advocating for social and structural reforms in conflict zones.