The Democratic Republic of Congo will maintain diplomatic relations with Rwanda, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo said during a radio and television broadcast on July 8, 2023. He stressed that the problems were with the regime of Paul Kagame and not with the Rwandan people. The President also stressed the importance of people-to-people ties between the two countries, noting the marriages celebrated between Congolese and Rwandans.
The President also touched on other topics, including the environment. He announced that the DRC would welcome next month the presidents of Brazil and Indonesia, countries which are holders of important global forest lungs. This meeting aims to strengthen cooperation in the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change.
Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo also responded to criticism calling him a dictator, saying he could never be a dictator because he hated dictatorship. He reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and freedom, pointing out that the end of the FCC-CACH coalition was one of his biggest regrets.
The President also highlighted the importance of education for the development of the country. He said free education was his greatest achievement so far, stressing that educating children was essential for the future of the DRC.
In conclusion, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo stressed the importance of diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda while addressing other important topics such as environmental preservation, democracy and education. His statements illustrate his commitment to the development of the country and the protection of the rights and freedoms of its citizens.