IRIN News Video Series Regarding Today's Elections in Kenya

For a short introduction into the key issues and themes surrounding today's election in Kenya, please watch this video by IRIN News. You can view their entire report on the situation here: No Ordinary Elections.

SADC Meets On DRC, Zim

The Southern African Development Community is a regional economic institution that deals with trade relations, as well as peace and security concerns for many countries in the south, southeast, and central areas of the African continent. SADC has been highly involved with regard to issues of peace and security in Zimbabwe for many years. Now, with the ongoing troubles in DRC, SADC appears to have a full plate . . . perhaps too full. SADC has reached out the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in order to monitor and deal with the continued conflict in the DRC:

"The meeting noted with appreciation the good collaboration between SADC and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on the developments in the eastern DRC" (New Era 2013).

To what extent should the conflict(s) in Eastern DRC be handled by regional organizations, specifically REIs? What are the advantages and disadvantages of collaboration between multiple regional organizations with regards to reaching a peaceful solution to inter- and intra-national conflict? 

allAfrica.com: Southern Africa: SADC Meets On DRC, Zim

Congo’s M23 conflict: Rebellion or resource war? (Op-Ed)

When I discuss my work, I often use the term "rebel group" to identify the many non-state groups involved in the conflict in Eastern DRC. This label is sometimes criticized as a misnomer by those who argue that the conflict in Eastern DRC is a war about control over resources rather than an attempt to overthrow, change, or replace the national government. I argue that, for sustained conflicts, such as the one in Eastern DRC, it is difficult to parse out exactly what the goals of each actor are with regards to interests in the conflict. Is Eastern DRC, including both conflict and transitional justice components, primarily an economic story (opportunity)? Is it primarily a grievance story? Or could it be a combination of the two?

In an article by Nile Bowie (RT.com, January 14th, 2013) (Rebellion or resource war?), this question of rebel motives is discussed. At the end of the article, the author brings up an important factor that contributes to the conflict process in Eastern DRC:

"If Kabila wants to stay in power, he needs the capability of exercising authority over the entire country. Sanctions should be imposed on top-level Rwandan and Ugandan officials and all military aid should be withheld; additionally, Rwandan strongman Paul Kagame should be investigated and removed from his position."

The factor alluded to in this paragraph is that of geographical proximity. The area of DRC is 2,345,000 km² (905,600 sq miles). Kinshasa (the capital of DRC) is on the opposite side of the country from North Kivu province. Rwanda and Uganda are closer in proximity to this area than the DRC's national government. Elsewhere in the article, it is suggested that by diminishing the size of rebel groups (of which there are around 40 in the DRC), the national government may be able to gain more control over the Eastern provinces. How could this be accomplished? Given their close proximity to the area most affected by conflict, how involved (and in what ways) should Rwanda and Uganda play a role in this situation? Consider, also, the enormity of the IDP (internally displaced persons) and refugee situations that are resulting from this conflict. Consider the geo-political consequences of state, IGO, and NGO decision-making.