The conflict in Eastern DR Kongo – Conflict, Cooperation and Paths to Peace

Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the most complex yet least internationally recognized crisis regions in the world. Since the 1990s, the region has been shaped by ongoing violence, closely linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the subsequent Congo wars.

In the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, numerous armed groups remain active, while geopolitical tensions, regional rivalries, and international economic interests further complicate the situation. The region is rich in critical raw materials such as copper, cobalt, gold, and tantalum, the extraction of which is often associated with environmental destruction, child labor, armed conflict, and displacement. As most of these resources are exported without processing, little economic value is created locally.

The humanitarian consequences are severe: around 6.4 million people are internally displaced, and approximately 26.6 million are expected to face food insecurity in 2026. International organizations continue to document serious human rights violations, the true scale of which is likely significantly higher.

This panel discussion brings together perspectives from international diplomacy, development cooperation, civil society, and research, offering a multifaceted view of the challenges and possible solutions in the Great Lakes region. The focus will be on current political developments, as well as the following questions:

• What realistic opportunities do current peace initiatives offer?
• How can economic cooperation and regional collaboration contribute to stability?
• What responsibility do international actors, companies, and we ourselves, as part of global supply chains, bear?
• And above all: what could solutions look like that truly benefit the people on the ground?

The discussion will also deliberately highlight paths of hope and explore concrete approaches towards a more peaceful and just future in eastern Congo. The event will be followed by an opportunity to continue the exchange over drinks and snacks.

The event will be held in English.