The appointment of Emmanuel Cohet as France’s Special Envoy to the African Great Lakes Region is a crucial step in resolving the security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. His appointment comes at a time when the security situation remains worrying, particularly due to the involvement of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group.
Emmanuel Cohet, former French Ambassador to Zambia and Mauritius, brings with him valuable expertise in diplomatic relations in Africa. His experience as Ambassador for Economic Partnerships with Africa will be a major asset in his new mission as Special Envoy. His appointment reflects France’s increased commitment to conflict resolution in Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
The security crisis in the eastern DRC is complex and multifactorial. The clashes between the Congolese and Rwandan armies, as well as the activities of the M23 rebel group, have caused untold suffering to local populations. The presence of Emmanuel Cohet as France’s Special Envoy demonstrates the willingness of the French authorities to actively contribute to the search for lasting solutions to bring peace and stability to the region.
During his official visit to France last April, the President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, expressed his confidence in France’s commitment to working alongside him to resolve the crisis in the DRC. The discussions between the leaders of the two countries paved the way for enhanced cooperation to address security challenges in the Great Lakes region.
Emmanuel Cohet’s mission will be to work closely with the Congolese authorities and international partners to facilitate dialogue and mediation between the various parties in conflict. His knowledge of the field and his mastery of political and security issues in Africa will be major assets in the search for sustainable solutions to end the violence in the East of the DRC.
In conclusion, the appointment of Emmanuel Cohet as Special Envoy of France to the African Great Lakes region is a significant step towards resolving the security crisis in the DRC. His diplomatic experience and his commitment to peace and stability in Africa will be essential elements in advancing the process of resolving the conflict in the Great Lakes region.