The historic agreement between the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on the neutralization of the FDLR and Rwandan defense measures at the recent tripartite meeting in Luanda, Angola, has sparked mixed reactions among Congolese politicians and civil society. While some see the agreement as a first step toward peace in the troubled North Kivu region, others, like Christian Kibombi, have expressed doubts about its relevance and effectiveness.
Christian Kibombi, leader of the Congo Before All movement, has expressed skepticism about the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, arguing that they risk ending in a failure similar to previous peace processes in the region. His concerns echo those of many Congolese who have long suffered the disastrous consequences of recurring armed conflicts in the east of their country.
In a powerful interview with the press, Kibombi stresses the importance of taking into account the lessons learned from the work of journalist Charles Onana, which highlights the geostrategic issues and interests underlying the persistent conflicts in the DRC. He also criticizes Western support for the Kigali regime, perceived as being motivated by economic and political interests, to the detriment of peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Faced with these pessimistic observations, Kibombi calls for a thorough restructuring of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), stressing that the solution to the current crisis can only come from the Congolese themselves. He insists on the need to purge the army of corrupt elements and infiltrators, in order to provide the country with a defense force capable of ensuring security and territorial integrity.
While the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda have given the green light to the implementation of the clauses of the agreement, the future of the region remains uncertain. The next steps and concrete actions to be taken will be decisive in assessing the real scope of this historic agreement. In the meantime, the Congolese population is keeping a watchful eye on the evolution of the situation, finally hoping for a lasting return of peace in a region scarred by conflict and violence.