This situation is the result of a complex interplay of causes going from the local up to the international level. Most of all, it is linked to DRC's weak governance, the decisive role played by Uganda and Rwanda to topple the regime of Mobutu in 1997, and regional geopolitics whereby the Rwandan and Ugandan presidents positioned themselves as regional strongmen protecting strategic and economic interests in neighboring East-Congo. In the past, several regional initiatives were taken by SADC, the AU, and the UN to conclude an agreement between the main players to stabilize the Great Lakes Region. The ICGLR and the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement follow-up mechanism were specifically created for that aim. The newest effort went through the Eastern African Community (EAC) but could not yet resolve the current ongoing crisis.
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