Fatshimetrie: The delegation of African parliamentarians on a fact-finding mission to Kinshasa
Since the beginning of the week, a delegation of African parliamentarians has been in Kinshasa as part of a fact-finding mission aimed at assessing the current situation of armed conflicts in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This delegation of the Pan-African Parliament initiated the first phase of its mission by meeting with deputies from different political sides as well as representatives of civil society, in order to better understand the issues and challenges facing the DRC.
During these meetings, the delegation was informed by opposition parliamentarians about the alleged aggression of the DRC by Rwanda in its eastern part, particularly through the M23 rebels. This presentation highlighted the importance of national cohesion in dealing with this external threat. For their part, the majority deputies addressed the issue of the FDLR, an armed group that Rwanda puts forward as an argument to justify its intervention in the region. They also highlighted mining and the presence of the ADF Nalu, considered terrorists and coming from different countries.
On the sidelines of these institutional discussions, the delegation also had the opportunity to exchange with the international network Net Word for social protection right, bringing together more than a hundred civil society organizations. This network advocated for an end to the suffering of Congolese citizens and stressed the importance of collective action by Africa to achieve peace in the region.
The delegation of African parliamentarians is expected to hold important meetings with the President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, before leaving for Goma, where they will be able to see the reality of the security and humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC. This step will mark a further step forward in understanding the complex challenges facing the region and will strengthen inter-African cooperation to promote peace and stability.
In conclusion, the presence of this delegation of African parliamentarians in Kinshasa highlights the regional and continental commitment to understand and resolve the security issues facing the DRC. This dialogue and cooperation are essential elements to build a peaceful and prosperous future for Africa as a whole.