### Towards a lasting peace: the meeting between Félix Tshisekedi and Robert Dussey in Kinshasa
On May 7, 2023, Kinshasa saw a significant diplomatic meeting between the Congolese president, Félix Tshisekedi, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Togolese, Robert Dussey. This visit, marked by hope but also of challenges, is part of a mediation process orchestrated by the Togolese president, Faure Gnassingbé, as a representative of the African Union. Its objective: to promote a rapprochement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, two countries whose relations are marked by historical and recent tensions.
#### Context of DRC-Rwanda relations
To fully understand this approach, it is essential to recall the context in which these two nations evolve. The DRC and Rwanda share a complex history, marked by armed conflicts and reciprocal accusations of interference. The vagueness surrounding the security situation in the east of the DRC, in particular the activities of the armed groups, maintains suspicions. This suspicious climate makes it all the more important the role of mediators, such as Togo, which are trying to build a constructive dialogue between these two states.
#### A delicate mediation process
Robert Dussey came to Kinshasa to take stock of the progress of this mediation process. He notably reported to President Tshisekedi the procedures already undertaken and the contributions of the different parties in the perspective of a common political text. This type of meeting highlights the importance of diplomatic dialogue in the resolution of tensions and in the search for peaceful solutions. However, the path to an agreement is strewn with pitfalls, and this raises several questions: what guarantees have the various actors concerning the implementation of this agreement? How to prevent local or regional interests from once again the peace process?
#### Prospects for the future and need for multiple commitment
The announcement of a next meeting in Lomé, bringing together representatives of the two countries as well as members of an international contact group including the United States, France and Qatar, testifies to a collective desire to move forward. However, this dynamic should be qualified by wondering if the regional actors involved really share a common vision of peace. The assertive supports of the United States and the African Union also raise the question of the sustainability of these external interventions. Effective mediation requires an authentic commitment of all the parties involved, both political and socially.
#### The essential role of civil society
It is crucial to recognize that peace processes are not only built on the basis of decisions made in meeting rooms. Civil society, made up of non -governmental organizations, groups of young people and local initiatives, plays a fundamental role in the acceptance and implementation of a possible agreement. How to integrate these voices often underrepresented in the current process? Taking into account their concerns could make it possible to strengthen consensus around a lasting peace project.
### Conclusion: a glimmer of hope in the storm
The meeting between Félix Tshisekedi and Robert Dussey could be perceived as a glimmer of hope in an often desperate context. It underlines the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in the face of complex issues. However, the road to reconciliation between the DRC and Rwanda requires constant vigilance, a sincere commitment of the leaders and a real involvement of civil society. In the end, only a collective effort, taking into account the specificities and aspirations of local populations, will make it possible to build a peaceful and sustainable future for this region of Central Africa.