### Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner in London: Calls for Action on the Congolese Crisis
On 10 February 2025, in London, a landmark event was held where the Congolese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, made a strong plea for an international response to the tensions that have been troubling the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for too long. Her statement, which resonated in British political and academic circles, raises important questions about the role of the international community in the Congolese crisis and how geopolitical dynamics can influence sustainable solutions.
#### Call for International Mobilisation
Kayikwamba Wagner bluntly attacked Rwanda, traditionally seen as a key player in the conflicts in eastern Congo. His call for economic sanctions and embargoes on looted minerals signals a change in tone in Congolese diplomacy, which appears to be moving towards more concrete and punitive measures. This call is not limited to simple denunciation, but also aims to initiate tangible actions, such as the suspension of Rwanda from its role in UN peace operations.
Historically, the DRC has suffered from international neglect and inaction in the face of flagrant human rights abuses and violations of international law. In this context, Kayikwamba Wagner’s demands intersect with a troubling reality: neighboring countries, notably Rwanda, often continue to operate with impunity, thus exacerbating a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Congolese.
#### A Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Peace
Following the recent SADC-EAC summit in Dar Es Salaam, the prospects for resolving the conflict have been redefined. The Minister’s emphasis on the need for targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials, including through an arms sales notification system, demonstrates a systematic and thoughtful approach to a complex issue. At the same time, studies suggest that well-functioning local governance and the implementation of fundamental human rights are essential to establishing sustainable peace. This advocacy could inspire a reassessment of paradoxical regional security strategies.
#### Economic and Social Implications
To enrich the debate, it is crucial to highlight the economic consequences of this protracted conflict. The DRC, rich in natural resources, is estimated to possess minerals of inestimable value. However, the illegal extraction and plundering of these resources by armed actors not only destroys the local economy, but also compromises long-term development. According to World Bank data, millions of dollars could potentially be reinvested in the country if control measures were put in place.
By rethinking the economic roadmap with a focus on transparency and accountability, it would be possible to develop a framework where Congolese wealth would first benefit its citizens before being siphoned off by external interests. This reorientation would require a more sustained partnership between the DRC and the invested nations, where respect for human rights and international standards would become a necessary prerequisite for any collaboration.
#### Conclusion: A Call for Collective Responsibility
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner’s intervention in London is not just a call to action; it is a rallying cry for collective responsibility. By urging the international community to act, she evokes a moral and ethical imperative. It is now vital that other nations, particularly those in Africa and global actors, join forces to end impunity for the violations that persist in the DRC and to find a path to a lasting peace agreement.
Thus, the issues raised by this first meeting in London reveal the complexity and depth of the Congolese crisis, while calling for a broader reflection on how the fight for peace and human dignity must transcend borders. The new commitment of the international community must be accompanied by a firm will to transform this observation into concrete actions for a better future for all Congolese.