The Democratic Republic of Congo is still confronted with violence in the East, particularly in the province of Ituri and North Kivu. Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, called President Félix Tshisekedi to express his deep concern over the situation which has caused deaths, injuries and displaced persons. He also recalled that the parties involved in the conflict must respect the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
The American Secretary of State, during this exchange, evoked the peaceful demonstrations which took place on Congolese territory, insisting on the need to respect the rights of the Congolese people. The issue of elections was also discussed and the United States’ commitment to free and fair elections in the country was reaffirmed.
The conflict in eastern DRC has called for mobilization by the international community. Indeed, Rwanda is accused of supporting armed groups attacking the DRC, a situation that has caused tensions between the two countries.
At the same time, President Felix Tshisekedi has started a state visit to China where he is to meet his Chinese counterpart to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. A meeting that comes as the DRC wants a fairer distribution of profits from mining contracts for its economic development.
These events bear witness to the complexity of the political, security and economic situation in the DRC, where the challenges are numerous and the stakes high for the future of the country.