Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, went back on his promise to settle in Goma to closely monitor the security situation in the east of the country. Initially, during his election campaign, he had promised to settle in Goma and live with the population to understand their problems and solve them together. However, in a recent interview, the president said technology allows him to follow the fighting on the ground in real time from his headquarters in Kinshasa.
This statement raises questions about the possibility for the president to really understand the realities and the difficulties experienced by the population of the east of the country. As violence and insecurity persist in the region, many residents hoped that the president’s physical presence in Goma would signal a genuine commitment to restoring peace and security.
Nevertheless, Félix Tshisekedi claims that, as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he does not need to be physically present in Goma to solve problems. According to him, thanks to technology, he can follow the battles on the ground in real time, which allows him to make strategic decisions and give instructions from a distance.
This position of the president arouses mixed reactions. Some praise his ability to use technology to stay informed and make effective decisions, while others believe that there is no substitute for a physical presence on the ground to truly understand the issues and have a significant impact.
It is important to note that the issue of security in eastern DRC is complex and requires a multidimensional approach. In addition to the fight against armed groups, it is also crucial to address the root causes of the conflict, such as poverty, limited access to basic services and ethnic tensions. It is therefore essential that political leaders become actively involved and put in place effective policies to solve these problems.
In conclusion, Félix Tshisekedi’s decision not to physically settle in Goma to monitor the security situation raises debates and questions. While the president claims to be able to manage the situation remotely thanks to technology, some stress the importance of a physical presence on the ground to truly understand the issues and act effectively. In any case, solving the security problems in eastern DRC requires a comprehensive approach and strong political will.