Featured article: President Tshisekedi’s state visit to China lays the groundwork for comprehensive cooperation
The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, recently hailed President Felix Tshisekedi’s state visit to China as a watershed moment in relations between the two countries. This event laid the foundation for strategic and comprehensive cooperation between the DRC and China, according to the Prime Minister, who was speaking at the 100th meeting of the Council of Ministers.
President Tshisekedi’s visit was intended to rebalance economic relations between the DRC and China, after the signing of a contract described as “century” in 2007. This contract had been criticized for its unbalanced nature, China having obtained mining concessions in exchange for building much-needed infrastructure in the country.
The Sino-Congolese partnership will thus be enhanced and preserved within the framework of global cooperation and strategic partnership, after the meeting between President Tshisekedi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Mutual political trust will be strengthened and cooperation will be deepened in various fields, according to the final communiqué of the meeting.
In 2023, the DRC is betting on production sharing contracts to stimulate the oil industry. This new economic and industrial momentum confirms that the DRC is ready to take advantage of its natural wealth, and that it does so by resolving past trade imbalances.
This is part of a broader dynamic of economic development and closer ties with regional and international partners. The BRICS foreign ministers thus reinforced their call for UN reform from South Africa, recalling the importance of a multilateral approach to solving global challenges.
In sports, Algeria won the CAF Confederation Cup and brought the country into the history of African football. The country of Clamart also wishes to organize the IX Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa, and the work is progressing well.
However, the Congolese opposition continues to push for an impartial CENI, but also to maintain the political and economic stability of the country. The situation remains tense ahead of the elections, and the arrests of political figures like Salomon Kalonda, a civil society leader, only increase tensions. However, the assassination of a civil society leader in the province of Beni is a step towards ending insecurity in this region.
Finally, the Prime Minister attended the inauguration of President Erdogan in Turkey, a new stage for investment projects in the DRC, particularly in the field of infrastructure. The problems of degraded pavements in Kinshasa have also been identified, especially in the most affected neighborhoods.
The DRC therefore continues its march forward towards economic development and the deepening of relations with its international partners.