The week that is ending in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been loaded with current events. We met Rose Kahambu Tuombeane, an expert consultant in conflict management, mediation, negotiation and preventive diplomacy, trainer and expert in political leadership. She gives us her analyzes on the key topics of the week in the DRC.
Should the government form a strong defense to silence the conflicts in the country?
According to Mrs. Rose Kahambu, the first thing to do is to reform the FARDC, the Congolese army, so that it is able to impose peace. It is also important to reform the entire security apparatus to prevent constant killings. The DRC must set up permanent conflict management frameworks as well as active diplomacy. The rulers must know how to listen to the people, because the country is democratic. Do not listen to the outside under penalty of always attracting problems.
Will we get an offensive mandate for the regional force?
Rose Kahambu has doubts about the possibility of obtaining an offensive mandate for the regional force. Indeed, according to her, during previous negotiations, the DRC did not claim what it had not demanded. Congolese ambassadors or diplomats do not always say things clearly at the negotiating table. Rather, they submit to proposals from regional organizations and member countries that are often at the service of the enemy. The DRC must therefore have more competent negotiators to hope to win the case.
Can the elections take place peacefully in the DRC?
For Rose Kahambu, the elections will indeed take place and it is a primary need of the population which aspires to have new leaders. However, she wants these elections to be transparent and inclusive.
Finally, what is needed to put an end to the growing insecurity in the DRC?
The specialist offers a global solution that requires sound and responsible management of the country. Governments must put in place an active and effective diplomacy, reform the security apparatus to prevent all killings and involve the populations in the management of their own country. Conflicts should not be managed by being soft on everyone but by being alert and responsive.
In short, to ensure the democratic future of the DRC and its stability, it is crucial to listen to the population and to give them the means to participate actively in the political life of their country so that they appropriate it.