The visit of a delegation of six German MPs to the Democratic Republic of Congo took place this Friday, June 2, 2023. The objectives of this visit were centered on improving relations between the two countries. The members of the Economic Cooperation and Development Committee within the German Parliament who made this trip clearly expressed their desire to develop collaborations and support the DRC in certain projects.
The aggression of the Democratic Republic of Congo by Rwanda via the M23 rebels was also discussed during this meeting. The German deputies frankly condemned this aggression. The head of the delegation, Dr. Forest Christoph Hoffmann, recalled that these relations between the two countries have existed for a long time and that they have supported several projects together. He nevertheless called for pressure on the Rwandan government to stop the attacks.
The security situation in eastern DRC is still precarious. Despite the efforts of the regional force EACRF, created in 2022 to stop the advance of the armed group M23, the rebels continue to occupy certain strongholds of the rebellion. The EAC regional force will remain in eastern DRC until September, after which the DRC has resolved to turn once again to SADC to resolve the crisis.
Indeed, opposition leaders are calling for citizen mobilization before the December 2023 elections. In addition, the arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda Della has called into question respect for human rights in the DRC. However, the rehabilitation of the Kinshasa-Matadi railway gives hope of revitalizing the country’s economy.
Despite these efforts to end the crisis, the deadly terrorist attack in Beni and the assassination of a former president of civil society in Butuhe in North Kivu are reminders that much remains to be done to protect the population. However, the decision of the Governor of Ituri to put an end to the impunity of armed groups in his region is an encouraging sign.
In any case, the DRC is at a crossroads, between disputed elections, repressed demonstrations and controversial proposals. It is therefore important to remain attentive to the development of this situation.