The region’s forces are seen as important in addressing the long-running conflict in the DRC – but their involvement is complicated.
A border crossing between Uganda and Kenya at Malaba. The two countries have made strides in improving mobility between them.
Photo by Brian Ongoro/AFP via Getty Images
There are advantages to a regional force overseen by the East African Community – particularly as the bloc is leading new political talks.
A Kenyan judicial nominee to the East African Court of Justice, Charles Nyachae, is sworn in before a summit of regional leaders in Kampala in 2018.
Kenya Presidential Communication Service
Kenya’s new president needs to forge closer ties with regional heavyweights to create a balance of power that favours his country.
Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) holds hands with opinion polls’ favourites, Deputy President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images
Kenya’s ethnic-based politics often leads to electoral violence that hurts regional trade.
A peacekeeper protects civilians who fled violent clashes between the army and the ex-rebels of the “M23” in eastern DRC in January 2022.
Photo by Glody Murhabazi/AFP via GettyImages
Recent clashes put eastern Congo’s M23 into the headlines again, but many other security problems persist in the area as diplomats struggle to tackle the underlying causes.
Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan holds up her COVID-19 vaccination card in July 2021.
Photo by Stringer/AFP via Getty Images
President Samia Hassan has set Tanzania on a change of course – time will tell if the pattern holds and addresses the country’s challenges.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi waves an official copy of the nation’s Constitution during his swearing in on January 24, 2019.
TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images
Rwanda’s food policies focus on production to make sure people have livelihoods and enough nutritious food. Not much attention is given to overnutrition.
Two men work their maize crop in Uganda’s Kapchorwa district.
WALTER ASTRADA/AFP via Getty Images
The government intervening to ensure food safety will increase awareness among producers and consumers.
Trucks wait in line to enter Uganda in Malaba, a Western Kenyan border town. All truck drivers must take a COVID-19 test.
Brian Ongoro/AFP via Getty Images
Frank Mattheis, University of Pretoria y Ueli Staeger, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)
Africa’s new continental free trade area, the AfCFTA, is a remarkable achievement. However, decisive diplomatic, technical and social action is needed for it to succeed.
Doctors at a hospital in Kisumu, Kenya.
Shutterstock
A military confrontation between Uganda and Rwanda remains implausible. But the stand-off between the two countries is reminiscent of the worst days between them.