Clashes between the M23 and the FARDC continued on Wednesday in Masisi territory. Tension has risen a notch in recent weeks, not only on the military front, but also in public speeches, in a tense context in the Great Lakes region. Verbal exchanges have also taken place in recent days between Kinshasa and Kigali, as well as between Kigali and Gitega. After his re-election as head of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi maintained this virulent tone, despite the efforts of the American authorities to calm the situation.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
In the entourage of the Congolese head of state, the speech is very offensive. “ We must maintain military pressure. It is only the balance of power that counts “, declared one of his advisers. To do this, Kinshasa relies on its army and on the commitment of the Wazalendo, these fighters described as patriots by the government. There is also the effective deployment of part of the Sadc regional force.
In addition to this military pressure, Félix Tshisekedi does not rule out a settlement of the conflict through diplomatic channels, but he sets certain conditions. He insists on the total withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers from Congolese soil as a prerequisite for any dialogue with Kigali. This condition has been reaffirmed by Tshisekedi in his meetings with numerous diplomats since his re-election.
He also calls for targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials, considering that these measures represent a crucial lever to achieve the stabilization of the region.
This diplomatic offensive is not limited to the national level. Kinshasa also seeks to lead it within international bodies. The DRC is applying to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and to join the United Nations Human Rights Council.
On the United States side, diplomatic deployment continues at a high level to deal with this general rise in tensions. The Americans are also counting on the involvement of the Angolan mediator, President Joao Lourenço, who is respected by the protagonists.
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