In January, Burundi severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing Kigali of supporting a DRC-based militia that attacked a Burundian town the month prior. Though sudden, the rift between Burundi and Rwanda just two years after their ostensible reconciliation is unsurprising and can be traced to the conflict in eastern Congo.
Relations between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates have deteriorated rapidly in recent months because of Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces, which remains at war with the military-led government. Now, Sudan has reestablished ties with Iran, the latest signal that the UAE’s stance has backfired.
Given the high stakes involved in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a wide range of domestic, regional and global actors had an interest in a peaceful outcome to December’s presidential election. This accounts for the collective sigh of relief following President Felix Tshisekedi’s landslide victory, despite widespread irregularities.
