In the tumultuous twists and turns of Central Africa’s geopolitical issues, a new escalation of tensions was highlighted during President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s annual state of the nation address. This event highlighted a worrying phenomenon: the gradual depopulation of strategic territories in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. An insidious dynamic of disappearance of indigenous populations, followed by a repopulation orchestrated by external actors, in this case Rwanda, has raised crucial questions about national sovereignty, demographic balance and social cohesion.
At the heart of this crisis, the Congolese head of state pointed out the continued actions of the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group, guilty of occupying key territories such as Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo and Lubero. This foreign intrusion has caused a massive displacement of populations, forcing nearly 7 million Congolese to flee their homes and thus placing the DRC among the nations most affected by humanitarian crises on a global scale.
Faced with this peril, President Tshisekedi affirmed that efforts to assist and protect the Congolese populations will not waver. He stressed the commitment of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the fight against the aggressors, while welcoming the progress made on the ground.
Diplomacy was also highlighted, with the recognition of the crucial role of Angolan President João Lourenço as mediator in the peace negotiations in eastern DRC. The tripartite summit planned in Luanda between the DRC, Rwanda and Angola aims to ease tensions and put an end to violations of the ceasefire agreements. SADC, for its part, renewed the mandate of its mission in the DRC for an additional year, reaffirming its support for collective security.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi paid tribute to the Congolese soldiers, local resistance fighters such as the Wazalendo, as well as soldiers from allied countries who fell in combat in the defense of the territory. His call for collective mobilization in the face of these challenges reaffirms the determination of the DRC to restore peace and preserve its territorial integrity. As the country prepares for a year marked by diplomatic and military challenges, the situation in eastern DRC remains one of the sensitive points to be closely monitored.