President Félix Tshisekedi is going back on his promise to settle in Goma to closely monitor the security situation and the concerns of the population in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While he had announced this intention during his election campaign, he explains today that technology allows him to follow events in real time from his headquarters in Kinshasa.
Felix Tshisekedi’s statement drew mixed reactions. Some point out that his physical presence in Goma would have shown a real commitment and would have reinforced the confidence of the population towards the government. Others, on the contrary, believe that technology allows the President to stay informed and make informed decisions, without having to physically travel.
However, the issue of security in eastern DRC remains a major concern. This region is prey to the activism of many armed groups and attacks from neighboring countries. Félix Tshisekedi’s promise to bring peace and security to this part of the country is one of the major commitments of his mandate.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in crisis and conflict management. It allows rapid collection and analysis of data from the field, which can facilitate decision-making and the development of effective strategies. However, it cannot completely replace physical presence and direct contact with the population. This is why some are questioning the President’s decision not to settle in Goma.
However, it is essential that the government of the DRC continues to work actively to establish peace and security in the east of the country. The fight against armed groups and aggression from neighboring countries must remain a priority. The people of this region deserve to live in a safe and stable environment, where they can develop their full potential.
It will be interesting to follow the actions of President Félix Tshisekedi in the months to come and to see how he intends to fulfill his promise to bring peace and security to eastern DRC. Technology can certainly be a valuable tool, but it is equally important to maintain a direct dialogue with the population and to take concrete action on the ground.