### The quest for unity: beyond political rhetoric in the DRC
The speech delivered by President Félix Tshisekedi during the meeting with the leaders of the Sacred Union, on February 22, resonates as a vibrant call to unity in a particularly trying national context. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its rich cultural heritage, abundant resources and tumultuous history, is currently at the crossroads, torn between international ambitions, external interests and internal struggles.
One of the most notable elements of this discourse is the idea of unity in the face of challenges, a notion which, although common in political discourses, deserves a more in -depth exploration. While President Tshisekedi evokes the need to go beyond internal quarrels and external manipulations, it is relevant to wonder if national unity can actually be reached without a structured re -evaluation of internal dynamics and external relations.
#### A deep crisis of confidence
The historical context of the DRC offers fertile land to divisions. Tribal, political and geographic tensions are not only a reflection of a history of colonialism and war, but also of a persistent inability to develop a coherent national feeling. Suspicion towards central power is fueled by decades of corruption, ineffectiveness and opaque management of natural resources. The recent advances in the M23 in the east of the country, supported, according to several UN reports, by Rwanda, even more complicate this situation, highlighting a crisis of deep confidence between the government and the population.
#### The role of the FARDC
The revitalization of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) is another central point in the president’s speech. However, the tributes suspected for troops that are fighting on unequal land, faced with a well -equipped and sustained enemy, must be combined with a critical examination of the ongoing military strategies. The professionalization of forces, while being a laudable objective, requires considerable logistical support and in -depth reform, dimensions often neglected in speeches.
Compared to other countries where military reforms have been successfully implemented, such as Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, the DRC must sail in an ocean of complexities. Instead of simply calling patriotism, it might be more constructive for Tshisekedi to offer training and equipment methods that are in line with the realities of modern conflict.
#### Mobilizing the international community
On the diplomatic level, the president welcomed international pressures on Rwanda, but a question emerges: what to do when the concrete results are not up to expectations? The resolution of the UN Security Council, while demanding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, shows that the geopolitical dynamics in Central Africa are complex and often contradictory. The DRC seems to be trapped between the need to maintain friendly diplomatic relations with Rwanda for economic reasons and the need to fight for its sovereignty.
A more proactive approach could consist in establishing a framework of regional cooperation which would go beyond the simple calls for peace. This would need to set up multilateral dialogues addressing economic, security and environmental issues, and focusing on the integration of non -state actors in these discussions. Indeed, many armed groups are thriving due to the lack of future resources and prospects for young people, and their inclusion in the peace process is crucial.
#### Call to the city imagined
Finally, taking a step back and analyzing the situation from an angle such as the collective imagination, one could plead for the promotion of an “ideal city” inspired by the concept of the promised land. The dream of a united and prosperous DRC can only be reached if the Congolese themselves see themselves as active actors in the construction of their collective destiny. This requires educational effort at community level, promoting values of solidarity, justice and mutual respect, because the struggle for unity begins in the heart and mind of each Congolese.
This speech by Félix Tshisekedi, although at the exhilarating statement, should encourage Congolese citizens to proactively commit to building a nation away from interior and external threats. The establishment of a culture of peace and dialogue as well as authentic national reconciliation are as vital as military and diplomatic efforts.
In short, unity is not simply a political necessity, but a social project in which each Congolese must invest, because without this commitment, the promise of a better future for the DRC may remain a utopia.