On July 6, 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the heart of the news with the official visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Kinshasa. During a joint press conference, President Félix Tshisekedi spoke about the security situation in the east of the country and the tense relationship with Rwanda.
President Tshisekedi affirmed that the DRC has never refused to discuss with Rwanda to defuse the crisis in the east of the country. However, he pointed out that Rwanda denies its role in the aggression against the DRC and tries to ridicule the legitimate and internationally recognized government by sending a group of individuals for the talks. According to him, Rwanda still denies the evidence and documents attesting to its aggression against the DRC, which makes any dialogue difficult.
President Tshisekedi also pointed out that Rwanda benefits economically from the instability in the DRC, which would explain his reluctance to engage in discussions. He underlined that the DRC is undergoing repeated aggressions from Rwanda and that it is important to put an end to this situation to ensure stability in the region.
This statement by President Tshisekedi highlights the continuing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. It also stresses the importance of solving security problems in the east of the country in order to promote economic development and stability in the region.
However, despite the tensions, it is essential to find diplomatic solutions to defuse the situation and promote regional cooperation. President Ramaphosa’s visit to the DRC could be a step towards enhanced cooperation, particularly on the economic front, between the two countries.
The Congolese government must continue to work for peace and security in the region, while seeking peaceful solutions and engaging in constructive dialogue with its neighbours. It is crucial to find ways to work together to end aggression and promote regional development.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s statement highlights the difficulties of dialogue with Rwanda, but also underlines the importance of finding diplomatic solutions to promote stability in the region. The South African President’s visit to the DRC and the ensuing discussions could pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries, to the benefit of the entire region.