Pathways and Impediments to Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The conflict in the eastern region of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a protracted, multi-layered crisis driven by competition over mineral resources, internal tensions, and the involvement of numerous armed groups and neighboring states. Join this online panel discussion, which will delve into the pathways and impediments to peace in the DRC region from the perspectives of scholars and practitioners studying or resident in the region.

The event is organized by the Kellogg Institute Africa Working Group and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. The Africa Working Group provides a forum for resident faculty, graduate students, and invited scholars to present and discuss leading research and topics on Africa.

Join us on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.

Moderator:
Ebrahim Moosa, Mirza Family Professor of Islamic Thought and Muslim Societies, Keough School of Global Affairs

Speakers/Panelists:
Christian Cirhigiri (M.A. ‘16), a Congolese peace journalist, activist, and researcher with more than a decade’s experience supporting youth participation in peacebuilding processes in eastern Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Colombia, and a 2016 graduate of the Kroc Institute with a master’s in international peace studies. He is the founder of Projetsdesociété.Cd, a Congolese think-tank that promotes responsible citizenry through dialogue and civic education.

Rigobert Minani, S.J., head of the Research and Socio-Political Department, Centre d’Etudes pour l’Action Sociale (CEPAS), the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jonas Sindani, Congolese lawyer involved in the defense of human rights, justice and the rule of law within Congolese youth movements, and an active member of the Equipe Droits et Migrations and the Centre de Recherche en Droits de l’Homme et Droit International Humanitaire

Laurie Nathan, professor of the practice of Mediation and director of the Mediation Program

Register here

For more information visit the event website.