Key Reasons behind Nelson Mandela’s Call for a Negotiated Settlement of the Congolese Conflict and Its Critics

Abstract

This article provides key reasons behind Nelson Mandela’s call for a negotiated settlement of the Congolese conflict and its critics. Mandela regarded a negotiated settlement of the Congolese conflict as a viable means to pave a way for the political governance of the Congolese society conducive for the advancement of human rights, democracy and development of its people. Central to his policy approach was his call for the right of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to its national self-determination and the free, independent exercise of its sovereignty and domestic and foreign policies in the interests of its people and for this right to be respected by its neighbouring countries and other countries in Africa and globally. This was a best way of ensuring that the Congolese were to resolve their national conflict without the interference of external actors. This meant resolving conflicts among themselves and with their neighbours. Mandela’s policy approach towards the resolution of the Congolese conflict was based on the situation of the Great Lakes, the strategy and tactics of the USA and its regional allies and the strategic importance of the DRC to the continental transformation. Arguments advanced by its critics against it were ignorant of these issues, processes and developments. They did not serve the struggle for human rights, democracy, development and political governance of the Congolese society conducive for their advancement. These problems still remain in place in the DRC. South Africa’s policy approach towards the Congolese conflict prevailed over that of those who opposed it. Thabo Mbeki, upon becoming the national president, continued with this policy, pursued under the leadership of Mandela, aimed at a negotiated settlement of the DRC conflict. It led to a transitional government of national unity that was brought to an end by the results of the 2006 elections.