Browsing by Author "Mohamed Bulle Muhumed"

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    East African Community Initiative in the Peace Process in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, 2022- 2025
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Mohamed Bulle Muhumed
    In Eastern DRC a civil war has been raging since 1996 which has cost approximately six million lives. This study examined prospects and challenges of the EAC initiated peace process in Eastern DRC. To begin with this study explored the internal and external factors that have influenced and shaped the civil conflict in Eastern DRC. Second, the effectiveness of strategies employed by the EAC in the peace process in Eastern DRC was assessed. Finally, this study analyzed the obstacles and challenges to the EAC initiated peace process in Eastern DRC. This study was anchored on two complementary theories namely Neo-liberal Institutionalism and Realism. Neoliberal Institutionalism theory argued that regional organizations supplement the role of states to enhance, reinforce and acting as arbitrators in state disputes. Regional organizations also reinforce and enhance the efforts of states in arbitration in international disputes. Realism theory on the other hand explained emerging geo-political interests in the EAC initiated peace process in Eastern DRC. This study took the form of exploratory research design. The study employed the use of both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The target population of this study comprised; Congolese refugees in Kenya, selected diplomats from Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Rwanda and Burundi, officials from the Ministry of EAC in Kenya, EALA members and experts in international peace and conflict studies. This study employed random and purposive to identify 384 respondents for field interviews. Structured questionnaires were administered to 360 randomly selected Congolese refugees in Kenya from three selected locations. Interview schedules were administered to 24 purposively selected diplomats from Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, officials from the Ministry of EAC in Kenya, EALA members and experts in international peace and conflict studies. This study employed quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis and interpretation. This study noted that conflict in Eastern DRC is driven by mineral exploitation, foreign interests, MNC involvement, and ethnic manipulation rooted in colonial legacies complicated by weak governance structures. It was observed that the EAC pursued both diplomatic and military strategies in Eastern DRC, including mediation, negotiations, and deployment of a regional force. While diplomacy remained central, force was used mainly to disarm militias and protect civilians. These efforts achieved mixed results in stabilizing the region. The study identified key obstacles to the EAC peace process in Eastern DRC, including lack of inclusivity, unclear strategies, limited legitimacy, AU sovereignty constraints, weak political will, and inadequate financial resources. It concluded that addressing these challenges requires political goodwill, a multi-faceted approach, and the establishment of durable governance systems to enforce agreements and maintain order after militia withdrawal.