The Great Lakes Region of Africa’s recent past has been one of volatility, whose complex nature the international community has found largely incomprehensible. The countries of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda make up the East and Central regions of Africa and together they are the Region of the Great Lakes. Although they are all separate entities, the many diverse ethnic origins of the people as well as the colonial histories of each state sowed the seeds for the problems the area experiences today.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the colonization of these nations by European colonial powers, such as Belgium, Britain and Germany. Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, once recognized as German territory, were mandated to the Belgians and the British respectively, following the end of World War I. Within their borders, there exist a number of ethnically diverse and proud peoples, from the Bantu and Nilotic language families, who fought for autonomy from European colonial settlers. Upon gaining independence in the 1960s, the countries’ focus changed from self-determination to political organization in the context of the ideological cold war era. In the ensuing years, the region experienced many violent inter-ethnic conflicts arising from the struggles for political and economic representation, which has resulted in internecine outcomes.

Today, the countries of the Great Lakes Region are attempting to, not only bring ethnic groups within borders together, but also to find a convergence of interests between the countries themselves. The reformation of the East African Community (EAC) and the creation of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries are proof of these efforts. With a combined population of 149 million people and a total area of over four million squared kilometres, the region represents an area of great untapped potential. Its natural resources, fertile lands, wildlife and natural attractions offer many economic possibilities. Despite these attributes, the African continent and its peoples endeavour to find solutions in terms of sustainable and human development.
Understanding the tumultuous past and where it has brought the region can help forge a path to the future. Ultimately, it is with the development of its potential that the region will have its voice heard on the international stage.