The Stream

Rebuilding eastern DR Congo

Is the recent defeat of M23 rebels a turning point for the region?

A Congolese army soldier responds to cheers from civilians as the army enters the town of Bunagana, eastern Congo, near the border with Uganda, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013. (AP/JOSEPH KAY)

Is the conflict that has claimed more than five million lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo coming to an end? The once powerful M23 rebels suffered a huge defeat by the army on the eastern border. While many are celebrating, experts say a military solution is not enough. And as peace talks continue, many are focusing attention on simmering tensions with neighbouring Rwanda, who the UN have accused of backing rebels. What lies ahead for the DRC? Join us at 1930GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Mvemba Dizolele @MvembaDizolele
Blogger & journalist
dizolele.com

Lambert Mende Omalanja
Minister for Media
 
Melanie Gouby @Melaniegouby
Freelance journalist
 
Sekombi Katondolo @katondolo
Head of Mutaani Radio Station
 
Malcolm Webb @MalcolmWebb
Al Jazeera correspondent

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.