Another regional summit on the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took place last week in Addis Ababa on the side-lines of the ordinary summit of the African Union. It is the latest in what looks likely to be a long list of them. They are happening with increasing regularity, perhaps because the leaders recognise the gravity and urgency of the matter and therefore seize every opportunity when they find themselves together to find a lasting solution. It is doubtful, however, whether the leaders of DRC are equally keen. As always happens at such summit meetings, resolutions and recommendations were made, and timelines and deadlines set for their implementation. Usually, these are a re-affirmation of those made at previous meetings. In this case, it was immediate ceasefire by all armed groups, their withdrawal from occupied areas by March 30, 2023, and resettlement of internally displaced persons. Occasionally, however, there is a new addition, usually when there has been some progress, new developments, lack of movement, or even regression. This time, there were two additions. One was the acknowledgement of the existence of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda where they have lived for over twenty years, and more importantly the call for their repatriation. The DRC government has refused to recognise as their own citizens. Another was the ordering of the resettlement of internally displaced persons. So, can we now breathe easy in the expectation that peace will soon return to eastern DRC? Only the overly optimistic or foolish can nurse such hopes. Of course, many people are optimistic sometimes because they do not want to contemplate the alternative. Optimism. There is always some hope that things will change for the better, despite indications to the contrary. They will always say: If not now, surely the next time. Which is the reason to keep trying. Others, however, with a little more realism, will be more sceptical. They will say: We have heard it all before. Deadlines have come and gone. Roadmaps have been drawn and been simply ignored. Agreements have been reached and promptly been breached or disowned. But even with these, there is some remote hope that things could get better. There will be exasperation with the foot-dragging and inaction, and anger at lying DRC leaders who play with people’s lives, and from the rest of the world who see only their interests and are blind to everything else. This is how you and I are likely to react to the news from Addis Ababa: a mixture of hope, scepticism and even despair. But I suppose this is how conflict resolution and diplomacy work. Painfully slow or not moving at all. Talks and more talks, often returning to the same point and starting all over again until a deal that can hold and be respected by all is reached, however long it takes. Statesmen and diplomats must a special breed. The best of them must possess tons of patience and unflappable temperament, be slow to anger and quick to keep frustrations in check. Of course, as we have seen lately, not all are gifted with this sense of self-control, or act with decorum or have the language to express disagreement or disappointment without being crude and offensive. I sometimes wonder how these obviously dissimilar people can sit at the same table to talk seriously about grave matters, literally of life and death, and even the very survival of nations, and hope to find common ground. But of course, they do. Most of them have a lot more patience and common sense, and a longer term view of things than most of us. They have the ability to look at issues dispassionately and not allow a rush of blood to the head to dictate their actions. That is why they are leaders. Some, of course, fail that test of leadership character rather spectacularly. Which is why their countries are in such a mess. We ordinary mortals cannot understand how they can listen to lies and fabrications and a lot of other nonsense and not order those uttering them to shut up with such remarks: Shut up, you inveterate liar. What a load of rubbish! Or be silent, you bumbling idiot. Be your age. Or when that has no effect, punch them in the face. Of course, they can’t do that. Instead, they will listen patiently to all the lies and inventions, never for a single moment betraying their dismay or disgust or anger. More likely, they will look glum and grave and inscrutable, which is generally the accepted demeanour at such meetings. You and I can –at least the shut up and idiot bit. Even wish lightning would strike him dumb or another kind of pestilence disable or disfigure him. We have choice expressions for these wishes and they readily spring to the lips. Anyway, the other leaders will listen and then they will leave the summit knowing very well that what they have just agreed will almost certainly be immediately contradicted or not honoured at all. And they will come back again and again, perhaps make another short step forward every time until, finally, they reach a workable formula. Perhaps some sense may seep through the obstinacy and hatred and greed. Or a miracle may happen - they still do. Or he may hear a voice, first as a gentle whisper, which he may ignore, then getting more insistent and growing in intensity until he can’t shut it out. The blood of your citizens and compatriots you are spilling is crying out to me for justice. All those you are keeping in poverty, instead feeding them on hatred and murder, are crying out to be rescued. The ones you have kept out and trying to disinherit are demanding their birthright. If that does not work, he may be struck by a thunderbolt, from which, if he is lucky to survive, a complete change may result. It has happened before, at least it is said so in the holy book. But don’t count on it happening this time. Some people are very obstinate or too far gone in their misdeeds and probably beyond redemption, and would rather go down and take everybody with them. That cannot be allowed to happen. Some way must be found to stop it. I will do my bit and use those choice words to express my wish. Sometimes what you wish for happens.
