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. This decision was announced during his election campaign in October 2020. However, during a recent interview, he explained that thanks to technology, he can now follow the fighting and events on the ground in real time from his neighborhood. general in Kinshasa.
This declaration arouses contrasting reactions, some welcoming this use of new technologies to stay informed and react quickly to emergency situations, while others question the relevance of promising a physical presence on the ground and not keeping it. Importantly, Tshisekedi’s promise to get personally involved in resolving security issues in the east of the country was met with enthusiasm during his election campaign, as this region has been heavily affected by violence and the activism of armed groups.
However, as Supreme Commander of the armed forces, Tshisekedi says he can act effectively from Kinshasa, coordinating operations and taking the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of eastern DRC. He also adds that he remains determined to bring peace to this region and to improve the living conditions of the Congolese.
This statement raises questions about how political leaders can act effectively to ensure the safety and well-being of the population, by wisely using the technological resources at their disposal. While technology offers the opportunity to stay connected and informed, it is essential to find the right balance between physical presence in the field and the strategic use of digital tools.
In conclusion, Felix Tshisekedi explained that he will not physically settle in Goma, but will continue to closely monitor the security situation through technology. While this decision may spark debate, it is essential that political leaders find effective ways to ensure the safety and well-being of the population, using the resources at their disposal wisely