SOUTH AFRICA’S ROLE IN MEDIATION IN THE EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, 1997-2009

Abstract

The objective of the report describes the South African government„s role and capacity in mediation in the eastern DRC. This study contributes by drawing an empirical picture on South African government‟s role mediation in the eastern DRC and a mixed approach paradigm is adopted on mediation in the eastern DRC, specifically examining South African government‟s role and capacity in mediation. The study argued that South African government‟s mediation is premised on the objectives of its foreign policy, the AU and the UN in resolving regional disputes by mediation not war. Throughout the discussion, South Africa‟s government role and capacity is demonstrated in the eastern DRC, notwithstanding frustrations by enormous challenges and in demonstrating the impact of the challenges in mediation, the report illustrates in its conclusion and recommendations how to overcome the challenges to resolve the conflict