Title: Historic meeting between Félix Tshisekedi and Alexander De Croo to discuss the electoral process and security in the DRC
Introduction :
A high-level meeting was held recently between the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo. This meeting was an opportunity for the two leaders to take stock of the current electoral process and the security challenges affecting the country. In this article, we will return to the main subjects discussed during this meeting and the issues that arise from it.
A traditional annual meeting:
The meeting between President Tshisekedi and Prime Minister De Croo has become an annual tradition on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. This year again, the two leaders took this opportunity to discuss crucial issues related to the electoral process in the DRC.
The challenges of the electoral process:
Although the general elections (legislative and presidential) are scheduled for December 20, 2023, many recent events have disrupted the conduct of the electoral process. The intrusion of the M23 in the East, the establishment of martial law in North Kivu and Ituri, intimidation and targeted assassinations against candidates are all challenges that arise. Despite these difficulties, the Belgian Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the electoral calendar and meeting the expectations of the Congolese people.
The question of the credibility of the elections:
The question of the credibility of the elections was also discussed during the meeting. President Tshisekedi accepted the principle of a European Union observation mission, which constitutes a positive step forward to guarantee a transparent and democratic electoral process. However, it is essential to take into account the difficult conditions, particularly in the east of the country, to ensure credible elections.
The importance of international cooperation:
The meeting between President Tshisekedi and Prime Minister De Croo also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in resolving security challenges in the DRC. The Belgian Prime Minister stressed that the solution in the east of the country will not be military, and mentioned holding a meeting with Rwanda to discuss this issue. It is clear that cooperation between countries and regional actors is essential to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the DRC.
Conclusion :
The meeting between Félix Tshisekedi and Alexander De Croo was an opportunity to discuss the challenges linked to the electoral process and security in the DRC. Despite the obstacles encountered, it is essential to maintain the electoral calendar and ensure credible and transparent elections. International cooperation plays a key role in resolving security conflicts, and it is important to work together to guarantee the stability and development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.