The escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) featured prominently on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), as African leaders gathered in Yokohama turned their attention to the deteriorating security situation in the Great Lakes region.
Several closed-door consultations were held between heads of state and senior officials, reflecting growing regional and international concern over the renewed fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel movement. The clashes, which have displaced thousands in recent weeks, have also heightened tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebels—an allegation Rwanda has consistently denied.
The discussions in Yokohama sought to prevent the crisis from further undermining regional stability and to explore diplomatic pathways towards a lasting settlement. According to sources close to the meetings, leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation, humanitarian access, and the revival of stalled peace frameworks, including the Nairobi and Luanda processes.
Japan, the host of TICAD, underscored its support for African-led mediation efforts and called for restraint on all sides. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the need for sustainable peace as a foundation for development, noting that “Africa’s progress cannot be separated from security and stability.”
The DRC delegation pressed for stronger international backing in countering armed groups operating in its east, while Rwanda reiterated its call for addressing the root causes of the crisis, including the presence of the FDLR militia, which Kigali views as an existential threat.
Analysts note that the inclusion of the eastern DRC crisis in TICAD discussions signals the gravity of the conflict and its implications beyond Central Africa. “This is no longer a purely regional issue—it has drawn the attention of global partners who see instability in the Great Lakes as a threat to wider African development goals,” observed one diplomat attending the forum.
While the Yokohama consultations did not yield a concrete breakthrough, participants agreed on the urgency of coordinated efforts to stop the violence and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. Leaders are expected to continue dialogue in upcoming regional summits, with Japan pledging to maintain its support for peacebuilding initiatives in Africa.
