The Democratic Republic of the Congo renews its confidence in the Community of East African States (EAC). This announcement was made by the Congolese Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, to the Congolese community living in Botswana. This accession of the DRC to the EAC will facilitate cross-border trade and will offer the Congolese the advantages of the free movement of goods and people.
Félix Antoine Tshisekedi declared that this decision was “maturely considered” and does not “regret” it, due to the geostrategic position of the Democratic Republic of Congo located between the Atlantic and Indian oceans. However, the country is currently shaken by an aggression from Rwanda. The Congolese Head of State said that this situation is temporary and was created by the dignitaries of the current regime in Rwanda.
In front of the Congolese community living in Botswana, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi reiterated his critical position towards the Regional Force of the East African Community and declared to be optimistic about the commitment of the Congolese Armed Forces and the Military Force of SADC to put an end to Rwandan aggression.
Félix Antoine Tshisekedi returned to Kinshasa after a three-day stay in Botswana. During his stay, he visited the SADC headquarters, the Jwaneng mine and chaired the Business Forum with his Botswana counterpart, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
In sum, the accession of the DRC to the Community of East African States opens up new prospects for trade and the free movement of goods and people, even if the country is currently facing aggression from Rwanda. It remains to be hoped that the Congolese Armed Forces and the SADC Military Force will manage to put an end to this crisis.