Title: The issues at stake in the meeting between President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in September 2023
Introduction :
The meeting between the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, in September 2023, was an opportunity to discuss several important subjects. At the heart of the discussions was the electoral process in the DRC and the security challenges facing the country. This meeting is of particular importance as the country prepares to organize general elections in a complex and tense context.
Update on the electoral process:
General elections, including legislative and presidential elections, are scheduled for December 20, 2023 in the DRC. However, several events and obstacles disrupted the conduct of the electoral process. The intrusion of the M23 rebel movement in the east of the country, the establishment of martial law in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, as well as intimidation, targeted assassinations and arbitrary detentions against candidates have created a climate of instability and tension.
Alexander De Croo stressed that despite the difficulties, it was important to maintain the electoral calendar in order to meet the expectations of the Congolese people. He also mentioned the good news of the acceptance in principle of a European Union observation mission, which will help ensure credible, transparent and democratic elections.
Security challenges in the DRC:
The question of security was at the center of discussions between President Tshisekedi and Prime Minister De Croo. The east of the country is particularly affected by violence and armed conflicts, with the infiltration of rebel groups which compromise stability and hinder the smooth running of the electoral process. Alexander De Croo stressed that a military solution would not be viable and announced a planned meeting with Rwanda to address this issue in particular.
Conclusion :
The meeting between President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo provided an opportunity to take stock of the current electoral process in the DRC and the security challenges facing the country. Despite the obstacles, it is essential to maintain the electoral calendar in order to meet the expectations of the Congolese people. International cooperation, particularly with the European Union, plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and democracy in these elections. The issue of security remains a major challenge, requiring a non-military approach based on dialogue and regional cooperation.