An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Diplomatic and Military Interventions in Conflict Prevention: A Case Study of the M23 and Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict.

Abstract

MWASE GODFREY JESER (2011-M172-20012) An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Diplomatic and Military Interventions in Conflict Prevention: A Case Study of the M23 and Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict. This study was about the effectiveness of diplomatic and military interventions in preventing and resolving the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict. The study sought to establish the contribution of diplomatic and military intervention in conflict prevention of the M23-DR Congo conflict. The study also sought to find out the relationship between military and diplomatic intervention in conflict prevention. A qualitative research design was used to help the researcher to collect data and information by using a number of secondary sources such as the media, publications and literature. For addressing questions of this research, past studies and researches conducted on similar and related topics were comprehensively evaluated and examined by the researcher. Interviews and focus group discussions approaches were used to collect qualitative data. Using Pearson correlation coefficient, there was a significant relationship (Pearson correlation value = 0.891**) between diplomatic intervention and conflict prevention in the M23-DR Congo conflict. This was an indication that conflict prevention can be enhanced with diplomatic intervention. However, there was a less significant relationship between military intervention and conflict prevention. It was recommended that there was need for a grassroots strategy to address the Congo conflict which should include enhancing control of customary powers, setting up impartial land management institutions and initiating inter-communal dialogue projects. Key Words: MWASE GODFREY JESER (2011-M172-20012) An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Diplomatic and Military Interventions in Conflict Prevention: A Case Study of the M23 and Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict. This study was about the effectiveness of diplomatic and military interventions in preventing and resolving the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict. The study sought to establish the contribution of diplomatic and military intervention in conflict prevention of the M23-DR Congo conflict. The study also sought to find out the relationship between military and diplomatic intervention in conflict prevention. A qualitative research design was used to help the researcher to collect data and information by using a number of secondary sources such as the media, publications and literature. For addressing questions of this research, past studies and researches conducted on similar and related topics were comprehensively evaluated and examined by the researcher. Interviews and focus group discussions approaches were used to collect qualitative data. Using Pearson correlation coefficient, there was a significant relationship (Pearson correlation value = 0.891**) between diplomatic intervention and conflict prevention in the M23-DR Congo conflict. This was an indication that conflict prevention can be enhanced with diplomatic intervention. However, there was a less significant relationship between military intervention and conflict prevention. It was recommended that there was need for a grassroots strategy to address the Congo conflict which should include enhancing control of customary powers, setting up impartial land management institutions and initiating inter-communal dialogue projects. Key Words: Diplomatic, Military Interventions, Conflict