Félix Tshisekedi renounces his promise to settle in Goma to closely monitor the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. During his election campaign, the president affirmed his commitment to becoming a “gomatracian”, to living with the population and to solving the region’s problems. However, during a recent interview, he explains that the technology allows him to stay informed of the fighting in real time, without the need to physically settle in Goma.
This decision by Tshisekedi raises questions about the fulfillment of his campaign promises regarding the pacification of the east of the country, a region marked by the activism of numerous armed groups and aggression from neighboring countries. While the president said he was determined to bring peace and state authority to this tormented region, some question his ability to act effectively without a physical presence on the ground.
Tshisekedi, however, claims that as Supreme Commander of the DRC armed forces, he can follow events and take the necessary decisions from his headquarters in Kinshasa. He also points out that technology offers him the possibility of being present in several places at the same time, and that he can therefore exercise his leadership role without being physically on site.
It is important to note that this decision arouses contrasting reactions within the Congolese population. Some welcome the president’s desire to stay connected to the realities on the ground thanks to technological advances, while others express their disappointment at his decision not to settle in Goma and directly experience the difficulties encountered by the population.
It remains to be seen how this decision will impact citizens’ perception of the management of the security situation in eastern DRC. The challenge for Tshisekedi will be to prove that he can effectively combat insecurity and improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of this region, even without a continuous physical presence.
In conclusion, Félix Tshisekedi’s decision to give up settling in Goma to closely monitor the security situation in eastern DRC has aroused various reactions. While some see this as a smart use of technology, others express disappointment at this turnaround. How the president handles the situation and makes concrete improvements will remain a major issue during his tenure