DYNAMICS OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY REGIONAL FORCE’S INTERVENTION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO’S INTRACTABLE INTRA-STATE CONFLICT

Abstract

The protracted new generation warfare in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the intervention by the EAC Regional Force (EACRF) are indicative of the need for a comprehensive security strategy and the vitality of regional efforts. Intra-state conflicts in eastern DRC have been protracted since its independence in 1960. The conflicts have varied from political, ethnic to resource use and control. They have rendered the Eastern part of the country ungovernable and contributed to a huge influx of refugees into neighboring countries as well as millions of internally displaced persons. In addition, the conflict has embraced regional states as active fomenters. Furthermore, the eastern DRC has attracted international and regional conflict resolution actors who have for all practical purposes been unsuccessful. This study investigated the dynamics of EACRF intervention in the management of DRCs intractable intra-state conflict. The specific objectives included an examination of EAC regional force role, structure and objective in the management of DRCs intractable intra-state conflict, assessment of the root causes, types and extend of DRC intractable intra-state conflict and evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of DRCs conflict management by EACRF. The study was buttressed by conflict transformation, power and neo functionalism theories to explain the interplay of its variables. The target population was 297 from which a sample of 177 was derived. Sampling techniques included census, simple random, snowballing and purposive sampling. Primary data were collected using an interview guide and questionnaire. Secondary data were obtained from a review of published materials on the DRC Conflict. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically while quantitative data were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages and means. This study addressed an academic gap related to pursuit of a multidimensional strategy in conflict resolution as well as policy gaps related to intervention strategies at state and inter-state levels in the study area. Findings of the study indicated that EACRF major role is military coordination 85(56.66%), 40(25.66%) rapid deployment of troops, Capacity to respond in Crisis 25(16.66%). however, military coordination challenges occur as a result of intervening state interests in the DRC conflict, therefore, deployment of these troops in DRC is seen as a ploy to undermine conflict management efforts. About 89 (59.33%) of the respondents believed that cross border armed groups are a major cause of the war; 38(25.33%) indicate that resource competition. On EACRF challenges 101 (67.33%) of the respondents agreed to lack resources while 33 (22. %) agree to inadequate manpower and 16 (10.6%) agree to slow enforcement to quell the conflict in DRC. The study recommends expended role and structure for EACRF. Besides the military and political wing, there is need to include local police and civilian’s role to effectively and comprehensively manage the conflict. This means the one-year period of deployment was inadequate to realize peace in DRC. Further, the study recommends Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda to manage internal conflict within their borders since Eastern Region of DRC is a haven for rebel groups that emerge from these states. From the study, the overall conclusion is that the EACRF intervention, is yet to achieve sustainable peace and security in relation to the management of DRC’s intractable intra-state conflict. Therefore, the intractable intra-state conflict will remain growing at unprecedented rate.