12/ Now is the moment for the African Union to come even further to the fore, and deepen the scope of its diplomatic engagement. The maxim, or cliché, of this being an African problem that requires an African solution is even more evident than it was before.

11/ Congo and Rwanda have found their way out of conflicts before. But their deals have collapsed in part because of the backsliding that happens when they are not anchored in meaningful transactions that can be held to account. There has to be a way out of this endless fighting.

10/ The African Union has its mediation team in place, but it is often tied to formal set-pieces which don't always lead to true discussions around raw elements that relate to the balance of power and resources that can settle contestation and secure civilians on the ground.

9/ This is therefore the moment for more pragmatic intervention. The UN and external powers have failed to marshal any solutions. Many foreign capitals no longer have credibility in both Kinshasa and Kigali. Other powers are taking sides with one or the other, or egging on both.

8/ Kinshasa and Kigali have been struggling for supremacy on the battlefield. Their actions may have gruesome consequences for civilians and destabilize the region, but should we be surprised by the actions of such self-interested parties? Especially amid such impotent diplomacy?

7/ This leaves Congo relying on partners like the UAE, which has devastated Sudan via its proxy. Will Tshisekedi also start reaching out to Russia for back up? Like the Sahel, the Great Lakes could end up becoming a proxy resource conflict which rewards militarized diplomacy.

6/ Foreign powers have their own interests in this. Western diplomats talk tough on Rwanda, but in practice they need to tread carefully, as Rwandan troops are instrumental in fighting jihadists in gas rich Mozambique, a prize for western energy companies.

5/ Accusation and counter accusation are bound up in years of historical violence that now recycles itself ad nauseam, while civilians are slaughtered by rebels and preyed upon by military and militias. Congo's resources bleed out. The war economy drains the state.

4/ Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, of pillaging its resources and of violating its sovereignty. Rwanda says Congo's chaotic governance and reliance on Rwandan rebel groups as military proxies means it is bound to interfere to protect its interests and security.

3/ In any case, the UN peacekeeping mission has not had much bearing on altering the logic of bloodshed in the Congo over the last quarter of a century since its deployment. Its troops failed to protect civilians. It was never the right tool to stop a regional conflict.

2/ The UN Security Council met on the conflict today. So? The council's members are divided and hamstrung. It has already downgraded the UN peacekeeping mission's capacities at the request of Congo's president. It has for many years failed to sanction those identified as key to fueling wars.