On May 12, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, paid a visit to Botswana. The Congolese head of state then aimed to reassure the diaspora living in Botswana about concerns about insecurity in the east of the country.
Felix Tshisekedi said he would put an end to the violence in the east of the country, especially that linked to the M23 terrorists, who are supported by Rwanda. He announced that the terrorists will not be invited for a dialogue and that the Congolese government will impose peace through the construction of a defense system. He also criticized the passivity of the regional force of the EAC (East African Community) and planned a serious evaluation which will have significant consequences.
The President praised the solidarity of the SADC (Southern African Development Community), which is committed to supporting the pacification of the east of the country. He also promised to promote the local processing of the DRC’s natural resources before export in order to create jobs and wealth, while drawing inspiration from the Botswana model in the diamond industry.
This visit also allowed Félix Tshisekedi to inaugurate the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Botswana. He was accompanied by several members of the Congolese government.
In short, this visit is an opportunity for the President of the DRC to restore the people’s confidence and reassure the diaspora concerning the Congolese government’s commitments to restore peace in the east of the country, which is one of the most most affected by armed conflict