The rapprochement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Israel continues to strengthen, with the recent announcement of the opening of an Israeli embassy in Kinshasa. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared this news during a press briefing on the sidelines of the 2023 UN General Assembly. In exchange, the DRC will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, marking thus a strong commitment to Israel.
This rapprochement is not limited to the establishment of embassies, it also includes investments in several areas, such as security, agriculture and infrastructure. The discussions between the two countries were described as fruitful and positive, demonstrating their common desire to strengthen their cooperation.
It is important to underline the constant interest that President Tshisekedi has had in Israel since he came to power. He regularly met with religious representatives and Israeli officials, and always presented the DRC as a friend of Israel. He even went so far as to support former US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, despite international criticism.
This strategic rapprochement between the DRC and Israel arouses speculation on the international scene. Some see it as a desire by President Tshisekedi to obtain consultative status at the African Union for Israel, while others see it as the consequences of active diplomacy on the part of the Congolese president.
In any case, this rapprochement between the DRC and Israel illustrates the evolution of international relations and the search for solid partnerships in a constantly evolving geopolitical context. It remains to be seen how this cooperation will develop and what the benefits will be for both countries.