The security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by interconnected local, national and regional dynamics. While international attention has largely focused on the resurgence of the M23/Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC) movement in North and South Kivu, as well as on the resulting tensions between the DRC, Rwanda and other regional actors, insecurity in Ituri also remains a critical component of the broader regional crisis. There, the persistent threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the continued involvement of the Ugandan army add further complexity to an already fragmented security landscape.
During this evening conference, we will examine the current interplay between these theatres of conflict as well as between local armed groups and national security forces. The discussion will address the regional dimensions of insecurity in eastern Congo, the role of state and non-state armed actors, and cross-border military cooperation. Particular attention will be paid to the evolving relationships between the M23/AFC insurgency, the threat posed by ADF and the strategies adopted by both regional governments and international partners in response to these challenges.
We are honoured to welcome Professor Kristof Titeca of the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) of the University of Antwerp, who is also Senior Associate Fellow in the Africa programme at Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations. He will provide a deeper understanding of the changing security environment in the eastern DRC and its significance for the wider Great Lakes region.
Research lines: Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa
Image source: © Rodolphe van Hövell (CESD)
Evening conference
Eastern Congo at a Crossroads: Conflict Dynamics, Regional Security and Armed Actors
Prof. Kristof TITECA (Institute of Development Policy (IOB), University of Antwerp)
Moderator: Rodolphe VAN HÖVELL
Language : English
Simultaneous interpretation in Dutch and French will depend on the progress of the renovation work in the Frank De Winne conference room and cannot be guaranteed at this time.
15 September 2026, 17:00 – 18:30
> 16:30 – Registration
> 17:00 – Conference
> 18:30 – Reception
Campus Renaissance
Rue Hobbema/Hobbemastraat, 8
1000 Brussels