**Title: Between Diplomacy and Resistance: Félix Tshisekedi’s Position on the M23 and the Rwandan Intervention**
On January 18, 2025, during a ceremony to exchange greetings with the diplomatic corps of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi took a clear and unwavering position on the growing security precariousness in the east of the country. This speech, marked by an ideological break, highlights the complexity of international relations as well as the internal and external ramifications of the conflicts afflicting the DRC.
### An Unwavering Position
For Tshisekedi, the proposal for a direct dialogue with the M23 – which he described as a terrorist group – is not simply a question of military strategy, but an affront to the sovereignty of the DRC. By characterizing the demands for direct dialogue as “legitimizing acts of violence,” it prompts a profound reflection on the moral and legal implications of such negotiations. From an international perspective, this refusal to enter into talks with armed groups can also be seen as an attempt to protect state integrity and maintain a framework of democratic governance.
### An Accusation of Rwandan Support
The accusation of Rwandan support for the M23 resonates particularly in the historical continuity of the tumultuous relations between Rwanda and the DRC. By the early 1990s, conflicts between the two nations had already demonstrated the dangers of external intervention. Rwanda’s support for the Congolese rebellions has repercussions that are not limited to physical violence alone, but are part of a pattern of economic and social destabilization that persists, causing massive migratory flows and a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Tshisekedi also calls on the international community to intervene with sanctions against Rwanda, acting as a catalyst for diplomatic pressure that could force the neighboring country to review its ambitions. However, this recourse to sanctions can raise debates about its effectiveness. In comparison, the instance of sanctions against other regional actors in the past has often been mixed, and sometimes counterproductive, further exacerbating local tensions.
### The Consequences of a Capitulatory Dialogue
By leaning towards a total rejection of negotiation with the M23, Tshisekedi positions himself both as a leader determined to defend national integrity and as a statesman aware that not all diplomatic paths necessarily lead to peace. Unwelcome dialogues with entities perceived as legitimate can have harmful consequences on the international perception of the country and on the internal dynamics of governance..
### Alarming Statistics
If we look at recent data, according to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 5.6 million Congolese are displaced, with a large proportion of them coming from conflict-affected areas. The climate of insecurity has also had a significant impact on the national economy, with growth projected to decline by 2025. Thus, Tshisekedi’s position, although ambitious, must be confronted with realities that may seem paralyzing.
### A Way Forward: Towards Inclusive Diplomacy?
In this context, a reflection is necessary: what alternative to this dialogue inherent in violence could go beyond direct confrontation? The integration of regional or international mediations, involving neutral countries and international organizations, could provide a more robust platform for discussions on peace. Furthermore, how can regional leaders build a common vision on security in order to eradicate the socio-political roots that prevent sustainable peace?
### Conclusion
Félix Tshisekedi’s statements of 18 January 2025 mark a crucial step in the debate on the Congolese strategy towards the M23 and external influences. Although his rejection of negotiations with armed groups is symbolically powerful, it is essential that it be accompanied by a broader strategic vision to address not only the symptoms of the current conflict, but also its root causes, in order to envisage sustainable peace and national reconciliation. The path of dialogue, although complex, could prove to be a decisive instrument to build a better future for the Congolese people.