2023-06-02
The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to fight against the balkanization of the country, with the determination of President Félix Tshisekedi to denounce the axis of evil embodied by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. For several months, the military fronts seem to have calmed down and the formal meetings of the regional groups have lost their intensity. Tshisekedi’s determination to identify the economic and political stakes of the crisis has allowed a pause in the conflict, even if the war is far from over.
By refusing to be intimidated, Tshisekedi succeeded in making Congo’s voice heard on the international stage. His international tour took him to many international forums, notably to denounce the presence of the Rwandan army in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although the war is far from over, Tshisekedi’s determination has succeeded in lowering the intensity of the military fronts in the region.
Congolese news is not limited to the political crisis. Citizen movements are multiplying in the country, alerting to the restriction of civic space and attempts at electoral coercion. Julienne Lusenge has been appointed deputy coordinator of the national monitoring mechanism for the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement in the DRC, a step forward for the representation of women in peacebuilding.
On the economic level, the Salon des Jeunes Entrepreneurs Congolais allowed a day of inspiration, discussion and financing for young entrepreneurs in the country. Many challenges remain, particularly in the area of food security and transport on the roads leading to the former eastern province.
2023 is a pivotal year for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although the economic and political stakes remain complex, certain signs of progress that bring hope are multiplying in civil society and in international diplomacy. There is still a long way to go, but Congolese forces are determined to make their voices heard and build a better future for their country.