Congo's intractable conflict: How lessons from Mozambique and Liberia can inform a way forward

This thesis examines the current state of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and provides an analysis of feasible conflict resolution strategies. Methodologically this thesis takes a case-study approach, studying (and proposing) analyses of the successful peace processes in Liberia and Mozambique and translating those analyses into recommendations for the Congo. The broad conclusions of the study are that any peace-making strategy must be multi-pronged, seeking incremental progress on all fronts, and that without established internal political will for peace within the Congo any peace process will inevitably fail. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for attention to economic and political conditions at the local level. While Congo's conflict is different in character from both Mozambique and Liberia, this thesis shows that important lessons can be drawn from the histories of both conflicts in order to inform a way forward in the Congo.