Endless violent conflicts in the Great Lakes region: the possible role of Russia in peacekeeping activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The subject of the study is the operations of the United Nations in maintaining peace. The focus is on the relationship between Russia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The article discusses how the Russian Federation can assist the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in fulfilling its peacekeeping role in the DRC, which is located in the Great Lakes region. Its aim is to analyze the changing role, motivations, and potential impact of Russia's involvement in UN peacekeeping activities in the DRC. The report examines how the renewal of Russia's strategic engagement with the DRC may affect the operational effectiveness of MONUSCO's peacekeeping efforts. The theories used are postcolonialism, which analyzes the rhetoric of anti-colonialism and realism, explaining the motivations of both sides in their pursuit of power and resources. The methodology is qualitative and interpretative. Interviews were conducted with 2 African diplomats, 3 Congolese and 2 Russian analysts. Research articles and media sources were analyzed. Thematic analysis was used; identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns in data sets. Discourse analysis was also employed; examining the influence of language on power and the perception of relations. Limitations include objective data on human rights violations and triangulation of data sources. Findings: Russia has had a significant impact on modern African thinking, which values mutually beneficial relationships, leading to the emergence of "Nkrumahists." Tangible benefits include annual exchanges in culture, technology, military-technical agreements, and diplomatic support. The conclusions suggest that mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationships between Russia and the DRC are fundamental to lasting peace in the DRC. The study reveals both positive and negative perceptions of Russia in its peacekeeping endeavors. Geopolitical rivalry and operational risks contradicted the Russian experience in counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing. Recommendations include active media coverage to combat negative perceptions, enhancing the capabilities of DRC forces, and intelligence sharing. The UN is preparing a Framework Programme to guide Russian involvement. The scientific novelty lies in the presentation of a paradigmatic case of a hybrid intervention model in the 21st century, combining old-world realpolitik with corporate business models and hybrid peacekeeping tactics. The Russian peacekeeping presence in the DRC is necessary, as the UN has not provided it. The beneficiaries of the research are the UN, Russia, and the DRC.

Great Lakes Region, Violent conflicts, Pan-Africanist, Post-colonial theory, Realism, Resource exploitation, MONUSCO, Hybrid peacekeeping, Human rights, Military Technical Cooperation