**DR Congolese Diplomacy in the Spotlight: In-depth Analysis of the 19th Francophonie Summit**
The recent 19th Francophonie Summit, held in Paris, sparked strong reactions and questions, highlighting the issues and tensions that animate the international political scene. At the heart of this event, the DR Congo found itself at the center of a complex diplomatic game, marked by strong positions and open disagreements.
The absence of President Félix Tshisekedi during the closed-door summit has caused much ink to flow. Some saw it as a strong diplomatic message, a way of showing disapproval of a certain omission on the part of French President Emmanuel Macron. Indeed, by failing to mention the ongoing crisis in eastern DR Congo during his opening speech, Macron unwittingly stirred up tensions, highlighting the sensitivities and expectations of the various Francophone stakeholders.
Statements by DR Congo government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya also shed a harsh light on the dynamics at work during the summit. By pointing to Rwanda’s alleged policy of manipulation, Muyaya highlighted the underlying tensions and complex geopolitical issues surrounding the crisis in eastern DR Congo. His statements highlighted the DR Congo government’s determination not to remain passive in the face of what it perceives as external threats to its sovereignty.
The issue of condemnations without sanctions against Rwanda also crystallized the expectations and disappointments of stakeholders. While the absence of direct sanctions may seem disappointing to some, it should be noted that the Francophonie is not necessarily the appropriate forum to dictate such measures. On the other hand, the resolutions adopted at the summit, in particular the request for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DR Congo, demonstrate a common desire of the Francophone community to address regional security challenges.
Finally, the ambitions of the DR Congo for the Francophonie were clearly displayed at this summit. As the most populous and most French-speaking country in Africa, the DR Congo legitimately aspires to play a leading role within the organization. The criticism of the Secretary General of the OIF, accused of bias in favor of Rwanda, is indicative of the geopolitical tensions that run through the institution.
In conclusion, the 19th summit of the Francophonie was the scene of tensions, strong positions and complex diplomatic games. He highlighted the major geopolitical issues that are driving the international scene, while underlining the legitimate aspirations of the various actors to assert their interests and their vision of the world.Faced with these challenges, DR Congolese diplomacy finds itself at a crucial moment in its history, where the ability to defend its interests while promoting regional and international cooperation will be decisive for the future of the region.