Fatshimetrie, October 7, 2024 – The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, caused surprise by not participating in the closed sessions of the 19th Francophonie summit, which took place at the Grand Palais in Paris this Saturday afternoon. This decision was confirmed by the Congolese Presidency, thus signaling an unprecedented gesture on the part of the Congolese Head of State.
The reason for this notable absence seems to lie in a form of silent protest against the French President, Emmanuel Macron. The latter, in his opening speech of these meetings, unequivocally mentioned all the hotbeds of conflict in the world, with the exception of the persistent destabilization of the East of the DRC by Rwanda, a neighboring country and key player in this region. This omission did not go unnoticed and pushed the Congolese Head of State to take a strong decision as a sign of disapproval.
President Tshisekedi’s reaction unequivocally reflects his commitment to the stability and security of his country, thus highlighting the importance of geopolitical issues in Central Africa. His determination to defend the sovereignty of the DRC at this Francophonie summit reflects a strong desire to assert national interests in an international arena.
However, President Tshisekedi chose to compensate for this controversial absence by visiting the DRC embassy in Paris. There, he was warmly welcomed by a crowd of members of the Congolese diaspora, a sign of support and attachment to their country of origin. This visit also provided the Head of State with an opportunity to see the progress of the renovation work on the diplomatic mission, thus highlighting the importance of modernizing and improving the infrastructure of Congolese representations around the world.
Ultimately, President Tshisekedi’s decision not to participate in the closed sessions of the Francophonie summit in Paris will be remembered and raise questions about international relations and political issues in Africa. His quest to defend the interests of the DRC and strengthen ties with the diaspora illustrate a resolute and committed leadership in favor of the development and prosperity of his country.