Title: Félix Tshisekedi at the UN: the DRC in search of international support in the face of the security crisis
Introduction :
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi spoke at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his speech, he called for strengthened international cooperation to address the security crisis plaguing his country. This speech comes in a context where the United States recently ended its military cooperation with Rwanda, accused of using child soldiers. President Tshisekedi welcomed the decision, stressing the importance of fighting predation and human rights violations.
A call for international cooperation:
Faced with the security crisis plaguing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi called for increased international support. He stressed the importance of close cooperation between nations to combat terrorism and other sources of insecurity. The president also advocated for military assistance for fiscal year 2024, to strengthen the DRC’s defense capabilities and promote stability in the region.
The end of military cooperation with Rwanda:
President Tshisekedi welcomed the United States’ decision to end its military cooperation with Rwanda. This decision follows accusations that Rwanda is using child soldiers. In a report by American experts on the certification of countries respecting children’s rights, Rwanda is mentioned among the countries guilty of this illegal practice. President Tshisekedi stressed how crucial it is to condemn these human rights violations and work for justice.
Partial assistance for the DRC:
Although the DRC was also listed in this report, it will nevertheless benefit from partial military assistance from the United States. This underlines the desire to support the DRC in its efforts to face security challenges. President Tshisekedi expressed his gratitude for this assistance, while emphasizing the need for greater support to effectively combat armed groups and restore peace in the east of the country.
Conclusion :
President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech to the UN highlights the security challenges facing the DRC and the importance of strengthened international cooperation to face them. The end of military cooperation with Rwanda, accused of using child soldiers, constitutes a strong signal in favor of the fight against these illegal practices. The United States thus took a significant step, supported by President Tshisekedi, by ending this cooperation. The DRC will receive partial military assistance, but the appeal highlights the need for increased support to restore security and stability throughout the region.