Title: The security situation in eastern DRC: Félix Tshisekedi points the finger at Rwanda
Introduction :
The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains worrying. During a joint press conference with his South African counterpart, President Félix Tshisekedi spoke about the tensions in the Greater Kivu region. He accused Rwanda of being the source of the instability and criticized the Rwandan president for denying his involvement. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Congolese President’s statements and the ongoing tensions in eastern DRC.
Accusations against Rwanda:
During the press conference, President Tshisekedi said that Rwanda lied about its role in the DRC aggression. He pointed out that Rwanda presented the situation as an internal problem in Congo and accused armed groups, such as the M23, of being Congolese in rebellion. However, the Congolese President claims that Rwanda continues to deny its involvement in the DRC aggression, despite existing evidence.
Lack of discussion:
President Tshisekedi also underlined that the current situation did not allow to engage in discussions with Rwanda. He expressed frustration at the appointment of M23 representatives to the negotiating table with the Congolese government, calling it “connivance” on Rwanda’s part. Consequently, it is difficult to envisage discussions with a country which would support an armed group hostile to the Congolese government.
The question of regional strength:
The Congolese President also addressed the issue of the East African regional force deployed in the region. Although he criticized their behavior vis-à-vis the peace agreements and treaties, he did not reject this force entirely. He noted collusion between certain Ugandan and Kenyan contingents with elements of the M23, even allowing the collection of taxes. Discussions are underway with the leaders of the countries concerned to make new arrangements by September.
Conclusion :
The security situation in eastern DRC remains a matter of concern. Statements by President Félix Tshisekedi raise questions about Rwanda’s involvement and the lack of constructive discussions. The presence of the East African regional force is also questioned. It is crucial that the countries of the region and the international community work together to find lasting solutions to this crisis and ensure security and stability for the Congolese people