The Risk of Military Expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Threat of Wider Regional Conflict

Authors

  • Christopher ODHIAMBO Masters of Science in Governance, Peace, and Security Studies, Africa Nazarene University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-41

Keywords:

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), M23, MONUSCO, Regional Conflict, Great Lakes Region, Peacekeeping, Military Expansion.

Abstract

As military clashes between the M23 rebel group, purportedly supported by Rwanda and Uganda, intensify, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is once again at risk of regional instability.This paper looks at the dangers of military growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and how it might lead to a wider Great Lakes conflict. The research focuses on the roles of important players, such as MONUSCO, regional alliances, and international actors assisting insurgent organizations, and draws on current geopolitical developments. It contends that there are serious risks to regional peace and security from the further militarization of the conflict if its underlying political and socioeconomic roots are not addressed. The study highlights the necessity of political commitment to lasting peacebuilding and revitalized diplomatic structures.

Author Biography

Christopher ODHIAMBO, Masters of Science in Governance, Peace, and Security Studies, Africa Nazarene University

Christopher Odhiambo is a multifaceted scholar currently pursuing advanced studies in several academic disciplines. He is enrolled at Africa Nazarene University, Kenya, where he is working toward a Master’s in Governance, Peace, and Security Management, with a focus on Peace and Conflict Management. He is also studying for a Master of Science in Forensic and Security Management, specializing in Cyber Crime, at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. Additionally, Christopher is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at the University of East London.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information and Technology from St. Paul’s University, Kenya. Alongside his academic pursuits, Christopher has contributed to scholarly discourse through several publications. These include a book review of The Frontlines of Peace: An Insider’s Guide to Changing the World by Séverine Autesserre, published in Conflict Trends 2023/3 by ACCORD (link, March 14, 2024). https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/book-review-of-the-frontlines-of-peace-an-insiders-guide-to-changing-the-world-by-severine-autesserre/

He also authored an article in the African Amani Journal, titled "The Limitation of International Humanitarian Law in Contemporary Conflicts and the Role of Youths Assisting in Solving These Limitations: A Case Study of Syria", published in Volume 10, Issue 2 (November 2024), ISSN 2709-2216.

His diverse academic background and research interests reflect a strong commitment to addressing global security, peace, and governance challenges in innovative and inclusive ways, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and policy transformation.

 

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Published

2025-10-07

How to Cite

ODHIAMBO, C. (2025). The Risk of Military Expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Threat of Wider Regional Conflict. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 14(3), 158–165. https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-41

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

The published articles are subject to copyright law. All rights are reserved to the “Carol I” National Defense University, regardless of whether all or part of the material are considered, especially the rights to translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, quotations, broadcasting through the media, reproduction on microfilms or any other way and storage in data banks. Any replicas without the associated fees are authorized provided the source is acknowledged.