Economic cooperation between the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda have developed friendly relations based on bilateral cooperation treaties with no implementation mechanism. The creation of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) marked the institutionalization of an economic cooperation that has somewhat benefited the three member countries. History shows, however, that this organization has not kept pace with the political and economic situation of its member states. The revival of economic cooperation currently being promoted between these three countries is part of a peacebuilding perspective in this post-conflict phase. It should combine joint exploitation of cross-border natural resources, peace, regional stability, and the democratic imperatives of the states involved. The book takes stock of some bilateral agreements between the DRC and each of its two neighbors. It presents the achievements of the CEPGL and outlines the prospects for cooperation based on the initiatives proposed by the ICGLR. The author expresses the hope that the DRC will fully play its role as a regional leader.