The Effectiveness of Southern African Development Community’s intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 conflict from 2024 to 2025

Abstract

This study assesses the effectiveness of the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 conflict from 2024 to 2025, a period marked by escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the eastern DRC. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research examines SADC's strategies, operations, and outcomes in the conflict, drawing on content analysis of official documents, military reports, media coverage, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including SADC officials, government representatives, and civil society organisations. Thematic analysis reveals that while SADC's intervention contributed to short-term stabilisation and facilitated humanitarian aid delivery, its effectiveness was constrained by inadequate regional coordination, limited military capacity, and the complexity of local conflict dynamics. The study finds that SADC's engagement, though well-intentioned, faced challenges in addressing the root causes of the conflict, including governance deficits, resource exploitation, and inter-group tensions. The research concludes that sustainable peace in the DRC requires a comprehensive approach that integrates regional security mechanisms, diplomatic engagement, and development initiatives, alongside strengthened collaboration with international partners and local communities. By evaluating SADC's role in the DRC conflict, the study contributes to the discourse on regional conflict resolution and offers policy recommendations aimed at enhancing SADC's future interventions in conflict management and peacebuilding efforts across Africa